Midleton hurler facing 12-week suspension
Cian Darcy, Sarsfields, tackles Sam Quirke, Midleton. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Midleton midfielder Sam Quirke is facing a 12-week suspension with the Cork County Board’s Competitions Control Committee (CCC) ruling that he was ineligible to play in Midleton’s first round game against Charleville.
It’s believed that Quirke’s clearance to play with Tipperary San Francisco was due to expire only a few hours after the game was played.
The ruling, which states that "a player who has received a sanction shall not be eligible to play with his Own Club in Ireland (other than in exceptional circumstances to be determined from time to time by the Central Council) for the 60 days after the date of approval of his Sanction in Croke Park but is eligible to play with his Own County."
Should they accept the ruling – Sam Quirke along with Midleton’s chairperson and secretary will all face 12-week suspensions with their clubs.
However, while Midleton’s 2-28 to 2-18 win over Charleville still stands, Charleville can still make an objection to this result as he played a prominent role in the victory.
That could drastically change Midleton’s fortunes, especially if they are to lose Quirke, an All-Ireland-winning U20 with Cork, for the rest of the championship season.
Cork County Board chairman Pat Horgan, who is a member of the CCC would have had to recuse himself from the decision, due to a conflict of interest.
Quirke – who was impressive in the win over Charleville both on and off the ball would be a huge loss to Midleton, who will face Kanturk in Castletownroche on August 25. Their final group game will be against Erin’s Own, who lost their opening round fixture.
The two-time All-Ireland U20 winner was absent for the majority of last season after picking up an injury in training after their second-round fixture against Glen Rovers, which ruled him out for the rest of the year.
Midleton have declined to comment on the matter at this time.
App?
