GAA

Antrim SFC semi-finals to go ahead as “extremely disappointed” Creggan withdraw appeal to Ulster

In a statement to The Irish News, Kickham’s confirmed their decision and said that they are “extremely disappointed” that additional documentation had been provided by Antrim CCC to Ulster that they “had previously been unaware of”.

Creggan's Eunan McAteer and Lamh Dhearg's Ryan Murray battle for possession Picture: Philip Walsh.
Creggan have withdrawn their appeal to Ulster, meaning Lamh Dhearg's semi-final with Portglenone goes ahead on Saturday.

CREGGAN have withdrawn their appeal over their Antrim SFC quarter-final defeat by Lámh Dhearg, meaning this weekend’s semi-finals will go ahead as planned.

The case was due to be heard by Ulster’s hearings committee tonight but Creggan have confirmed that they have decided not to proceed with their objection.

Their initial case was based around an alleged ‘16th man’ offence by Lámh Dhearg during the second half of normal time.

Lámh Dhearg’s contention was that Michael Herron had stepped off the pitch instead of Terry McCrudden, who was supposed to be the player coming off for Marc Lowe’s introduction.

Antrim CCC upheld the result of the game.

Creggan had lodged an appeal to Ulster on Tuesday that threatened to uphold the rest of the Antrim SFC, but they have no decided to pull their case ahead of tonight’s hearing.

In a statement to The Irish News, Kickham’s confirmed their decision and said that they are “extremely disappointed” that additional documentation had been provided by Antrim CCC to Ulster that they “had previously been unaware of”.

A club spokesperson said that “upon receipt of a request from Ulster GAA to Antrim CCC, additional documentation was provided to Ulster that Kickham’s had previously been unaware of.

“For complete clarity this additional documentation had not been provided to us at any stage of the initial hearing with Antrim CCC.

“This additional documentation included confirmation that Antrim CCC had confirmed a breach of rules had occurred and that they had issued the disciplinary action to the offending party.

“Kickham’s GAC Creggan are extremely disappointed that this documentation has only come to light at this time as this entire matter could have been resolved much sooner.

“No further comment will be made.”

The outcome means that Lámh Dhearg will now face Portglenone on Saturday at 4pm as planned, with the other semi-final between St Brigid’s and Cargin going ahead on Sunday.