Dromid and Derrytresk to learn fate
PLAYERS from Derrytresk (Tyrone) and Dromid Pearses (Kerry) will discover their fate tonight when they travel to Croke Park to make their plea for leniency to the Central Hearings Committee (CHC).
The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) has already recommended a raft of suspensions for players from both clubs for their part in the ugly fracas that marred the All-Ireland Club JFC semi-final over two weeks ago.
Derrytresk's situation is far more urgent because they are playing Galway side Clonbur in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park on Sunday.
It is believed that they have sought legal advice from former Tyrone county player and solicitor Fergal Logan, who has extensive experience in this area.
Eight Derrytresk players -- starting defenders Kevin Campbell, Sean Slater and first-choice forwards Michael Robinson and Joseph McKee, as well as four of their semi-final substitutes -- are all battling suspensions and, if their appeals are unsuccessful, it would leave the Tyrone club seriously understrength for their historic final appearance.
Derrytresk received a €5,000 fine and it is believed that lengthy bans have also been proposed against several of their supporters, including a one-year ban from attending Gaelic games for the female supporter who hit Dromid's county star Declan O'Sullivan with her handbag.
Both clubs have already co-operated with the GAA's initial investigation and defeated Kerry club Dromid have not escaped unscathed either.
Three of their players face suspension, one of them for three months, and they also got a €2,000 fine, which they are expected to appeal.
- Cliona Foley
Irish Independent
