Galway Board to launch investigation into sideline incident
Friday June 26 2009
Galway County Board are investigating a serious altercation between a leading official of the Hurling Board and one of John McIntyre's selectors.
The bizarre incident is alleged to have taken place in a heated exchange between the two men on the sideline during Saturday night's Leinster hurling semi-final against Kilkenny.
The exchange is said to have developed because of the Hurling Board's ongoing concern over pitch incursions which have been the source of heavy fines recently.
The alleged incident took place in full view of the Galway substitutes who were taken aback by the nature of what happened.
Galway lost the match by 2-20 to 3-13 and the performance was taken as a sign that Galway are primed for a meaningful challenge in the rest of the championship.
The Tribesmen meet Clare in a second-round Qualifier in just over two weeks' time in Ennis.
Impact
Whether this incident, and any possible suspensions which might be accrued, will have any impact on Galway's immediate future remains to be seen.
The findings of the investigation by the Board, who have stepped in because of the involvement of the Hurling Board official, will be known prior to the Clare match.
The incident comes against a background of division in Galway over the removal of Ger Loughnane as manager last year.
Meanwhile, Anthony Daly is increasingly confident that Alan McCrabbe will face Kilkenny in next week's Leinster hurling final.
McCrabbe injured his knee in the semi-final win over Wexford last weekend but the results of his scan have been positive.
"He's still very sore and it's a matter of getting the swelling down," Daly said. "Hopefully by next Wednesday night he should be able to do a small bit."
- Colm Keys
