Meath GAA appeal successful
This weekend's SFC quarter-finals to go ahead as scheduled
Meath GAA's appeal against Leinster Council's ruling to order a play-off between Na Fianna and Donaghmore/Ashbourne to determine who should advance to the Meath SFC quarter-finals and who drops into the relegation mix was successful at last night's Central Appeals Committee (CAC) hearing.
Following the conclusion of the Meath SFC group stages Na Fianna were edged out of the quarter-finals by virtue of having scored less than Donaghmore/Ashbourne in Group A of their campaign.
However, Na Fianna appealed to Leinster Council claiming that new regulations brought in at Congress this year where only the scores involving the three or more teams tied on points should be considered to determine final placings in a group should be applied.
Leinster Council sided with Na Fianna stating there was ambiguity in the Meath GAA regulations which were in force and while they agreed Meath GAA had not done anything wrong they felt that on the basis of 'natural justice' it would be unfair to exclude Na Fianna from the rest of the SFC campaign on the Meath regulation which took into account the scores from all the games in the group, not just the scores involving Na Fianna, Donaghmore/Ashbourne and Curraha who were tied on two points.
Meath GAA appealed Leinster Council's ruling to the CAC and won their case meaning Friday night's SFC quarter-final between St Colmcille's and Donaghmore/Ashbourne will go ahead as will the SFC relegation play-off between Na Fianna and Seneschalstown on Saturday.
It is believed that Na Fianna, in anticipation of Meath GAA's appeal to the CAC being successful, had notified the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) that they would intend to appeal to them if the CAC upheld Meath GAA's appeal.
That appeal to the DRA is not expected to be heard this week and Meath GAA are going ahead with this weekend's SFC quarter-finals and relegation play-offs as scheduled
Last night's ruling also backs up Meath GAA's standing that Longwood are relegated from the SHC on scoring difference, below St Peter's Dunboyne and Dunderry.
FRIDAY 8th SEPTEMBER
Skryne - St Colmcille's v Donaghmore/Ashbourne, SFC quarter-final, 8pm, D Coldrick.
Moynalty - St Michael's v Dunderry, IFC relegation quarter-final, 8pm, B O'Brien.
SATURDAY 9th SEPTEMBER
Pairc Tailteann - Walterstown v Rathkenny, IFC quarter-final, 3.15pm, R Purfield; Simonstown v Wolfe Tones, SFC quarter-final, 5.15pm, C Reilly.
Batterstown - Na Fianna v Seneschalstown, SFC relegation quarter-final, 7.30pm, Patrick Coyle.
Summerhill - Ballinabrackey v Skryne, SFC relegation quarter-final, 5pm, A Smith.
Curraha - Kilbride v Dunsany, JFC, 5pm, Padraig Coyle.
Carlanstown - St Ultan's v Syddan, JFC, 5pm, Bernard Heaney.
Millbrook - St Brigid's v Ballinlough, JFC, 6pm, Raymond Tynan.
Carnaross - Moylagh v Kilmainham, JFC, 6pm, M Dawson.
Athboy - Moynalty v Boardsmill, Junior B, 5.30pm, Henri Clifford.
Cortown - St Paul's v Carnaross, Junior B, 5.30pm, G Martyn.
SUNDAY 10th SEPTEMBER
Pairc Tailteann - Duleek-Bellewstown v Meath Hill, IFC quarter-final, 2pm; Summerhill v Trim, SFC quarter-final, 4pm, D Ryan.
Ashbourne - Dunshaughlin v Ratoath, SFC quarter-final, 7.30pm, D Gough.
Dunshaughlin - Moynalvey v Curraha, SFC relegation quarter-final, 12pm, K Sheerin.
Walterstown - St Peter's v Gaeil Colmcille, SFC relegation quarter-final, 12pm, K Olwell.
Seneschalstown - St Patrick's v Castletown, IFC quarter-final, 12pm, J Curran.
Dunsany - Navan O'Mahonys v Ballivor, IFC quarter-final, 5pm, L Reddy.
Drumbaragh - Bective v Oldcastle, IFC relegation quarter-final, 12pm, B Heaney.
Stamullen - Eastern Gaels v St Mary's, Junior B, 12pm, S Clarke.
Bohermeen - Kilmainhamwood v Clonard, Junior B, 12pm, B O'Rourke.
Rathkenny - Cortown v Drumconrath, Junior B, 12pm, M Dawson.