GALWAY HURLING CRISIS:THE VICE-CHAIRMAN Stevie Cahalan has been asked to take over at the helm of Galway hurling following the resignation on Wednesday night of Miko Ryan.

Ironically, Cahalan is from the Mullagh club – his son Niall is their free-taker – who have lodged a protest demanding that their controversial semi-final with Loughrea be declared null and void.

The upshot of it all is that the county final between All-Ireland champions Portumna and Loughrea is unlikely to take place on Sunday week.

Mullagh – disgruntled with losing a controversial semi-final and now facing 48-week suspensions being handed out to three of their players for abusing a referee – are basing their objection on Ryan chairing the fixtures committee which organised their clash with Loughrea while he was under suspension. That objection is to be heard tonight by the Connacht Council in Ballyhaunis.

Even if the provincial body rule in favour of Galway hurling board – who will claim Ryan had not received official notification of his suspension when he chaired the fixtures committee meeting – it is likely that Mullagh will pursue the case to the Disputes Resolutin Authority.

As a result, it seems unlikely the county final will go ahead on Sunday week. Portumna (who defeated Gort in the other semi-final on October 11th) are bidding to become the first club to win three successive All-Ireland titles.

The chairman of Galway County Board, Gerry Larkin yesterday paid tribute to Ryan, who stepped down after 13 years as chairman of Galway hurling board. “I would like to thank Miko for all he has done for Galway hurling and for the GAA. He has made a big contribution down through the years,” said Larkin.

Meanwhile, Down footballer Jamie O’Reilly has signed a two-year contract with AFL side Richmond Tigers. The Loughinisland clubman under went a successful three-week trial with the club during the summer.

“As a young person, it’s too good an opportunity to pass up,” said O’Reilly. “The idea of getting paid to play sport for a living obviously appeals to me, but the challenge of it appeals to me too.”

Finally, the GAA Museum are to host an evening talk presented by Mike Cronin of the GAA Oral History Project based in Boston College, Dublin. Recently the project published a new book: The GAA: A People’s History, which tells the story of the GAA’s unique place at the heart of Irish life. Booking for the November 5th event (7pm), is essential. Adult €10, Senior/Student €7.