OFFICIALS at Mullagh GAA club are remaining tightlipped over the reinstatement of 48-week bans on three of its players following an incident in last year’s county senior semi-final against Loughrea.

Galway senior panellist Conor Dervan, All-Ireland winning minor hero Davy Glennon and defender John Rafferty were all hit with the lengthy suspensions by the Galway Competitions Control Committee last October after referee Christy Helebert reported the trio for allegedly striking him in an altercation which took place following the final whistle of the semi-final.

However, on appeal to the County Galway Hearings Committee, the three players – who deny striking the referee – had their suspensions reduced to 12 weeks, on a lesser charge of abusive behaviour, which, in turn, incensed local hurling referees.

Indeed, it is understood that Helebert, himself, frustrated and disappointed with the downgrading of the offences, sent a detailed file to Croke Park asking the GAA’s central authority to review the matter.

In any event, the Central Competitions Control Committee in Croke Park, having reviewed the evidence, last week reinstated the 48-week suspensions on the players – taking the matter out of the hands of Galway officials.

Consequently, if Mullagh are to appeal, they will now have to bring their case before Croke Park should they wish to overturn the bans.
Officials from the club did not wish to comment further on the ongoing controversy this week and it is believed, understandably, that the club has taken such a stance following extensive coverage of the incident in the media before the Christmas.

One of the immediate consequences of the CCC’s ruling is that Conor Dervan has withdrawn from the Galway panel. He would have been lining out against Laois in the Walsh Cup last Sunday only for his original ban being re-imposed.

Meanwhile, Kinvara’s Ger Mahon will miss the group stages of the Fitzgibbon Cup after Croke Park over-ruled Leinster Council and imposed a four-week ban on the defender.

Although Mahon was sent off against Laois in the Walsh Cup, it was understood that this would not affect his participation in the third-level colleges’ competition and this belief was reinforced by Leinster Council.

For more, read page 55 of this week's Connacht Tribune.