Blarney objection over senior A hurling semi-final against Bride Rovers to be heard on Thursday night

Cork County Board's Competitions Control Committee is to launch a full inquiry into last Saturday's Co-op SuperStores Cork Senior A Hurling Championship semi-final between Bride Rovers and Blarney, on foot of an objection raised by Blarney.

After 80 minutes of hurling could not separate the clubs, Bride won in a penalty shootout. However, it is believed that Bride had 16 players on the pitch after a substitution towards the end of extra time.

Blarney led by a point before Adam Walsh scored an equalising free for Bride deep in injury time, sending the match to penalties, with the Rathcormac/Bartlemy club winning 3-2 in the shootout.

Jim McCarthy, chairperson of Blarney, said the matter has been raised by the club.

“I can confirm that we have lodged an objection with the county board and we’re going to leave them deal with it from here,” he said.

“We’re very disappointed for the lads, for the effort that goes in throughout the year, for it to come down to this.”

Blarney raised the matter under GAA rule 6.44 (b) (i), relating to a team exceeding the number of players
permitted under rule 2.1 of the playing rules. They asked the CCC to investigate the matter and a full inquiry will take place on Thursday night with all stakeholders - members of both clubs and match officials - involved.

The penalties for such a contravention include awarding of the game to the opposition, a fine or the ordering of a re-fixture. The senior A final between Bride and Newcestown is currently scheduled for Sunday, October 22.

Earlier this year, Derry club Watty Graham’s Glen, beaten by Kilmacud Crokes in the All-Ireland Club SFC final, appealed after Kilmacud had 16 on the field.

The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) ordered a re-fixture but, with Kilmacud set to appeal that finding, Glen withdrew their own objection and the result stood.