Code of behaviour to fit both codes

News Roundup: The GAA have moved to clarify any inaccurate interpretation of the new rule experiments in hurling and football regarding "ungracious behaviour" towards the referee, opposition or teammates.

"On initial inspection it might appear that different experimental rules will apply to hurlers and footballers in the forthcoming national hurling and football league services where 'ungracious behaviour and remonstrating with the referee, etc, is concerned'," said a statement from Croke Park.

"However, the reality is somewhat different in that there is provision within Rule 5 and Rule 6 to sanction any player - be it a hurler or footballer - for such behaviour by way of the referee issuing a yellow card. What in effect has happened is that the Hurling Task Force have reworded an element of Rule 6, i.e., to challenge the authority of a match official, and incorporated it into rule 5.

"There is already provision with Rule 5 to deal with ungracious behaviour, i.e., to threaten or use abusive or proactive language or gestures to an opponent or team-mate.

"The upshot of this is that players who engage in this type of behaviour - be they hurlers or footballers - can expect to be dealt with in the same manner."

Galway hurling champions Athenry are to ask the Connacht Council to investigate the circumstances surrounding a six-month suspension being handed out to one of their players.

A vote of no confidence in the officers of the Galway Games Administration Committee was unanimously passed at the Athenry a.g.m. on Monday night.

The club are incensed about the circumstances which led to wing back Shane Donohue receiving a six-month suspension following a bad-tempered county quarter-final against Loughrea in September.

Athenry's John Feeney and Loughrea's Greg Kennedy were sent off in the match which Athenry won. Donohue was suspended by the Galway GAC for six months and that appeal was upheld by the Connacht Council.

Athenry are unhappy about the circumstances and the way the issue was handled. Central to the case is a video or DVD of the match which may have been used in the disciplinary proceedings.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has called up nine new players to his squad for the Dr McKenna Cup, and has promised them a chance to prove themselves in next month's competition.

He stressed that the 27-strong panel will be reviewed before he announces a squad to participate in the National Football League.

Three players who were involved during Tyrone's All-Ireland winning year are back again: defender Brian Robinson and versatile midfielders Ryan Mellon and Peter Donnelly.

Limerick football manager Liam Kearns has invited Limerick FC player Ross Cosgrave to train with the panel. Kearns will be without the injured John Galvin and Brian Begley in the opening rounds of the National League. John Quane, who retired after last season's championship, is willing to help out.

The Wexford Purple and Gold Stars will face the Wexford hurlers, under new manager Séamus Murphy, at Wexford Park this Monday, December 27th. This is the third year of the event with proceeds going to the Irish Guide Dogs foundation. The football equivalent is at 12.15, with the hurling at 2.15.

TYRONE SQUAD: Peter Canavan (Errigal Ciaran), Sean Cavanagh (Moy), Michael Coleman (Ardboe), Barry Collins (Dromore), Gavin Devlin (Ardboe), Brendan Donnelly (Eglish), Brian Dooher (Clan na nGael), Conor Gormley (Carrickmore), Colin Holmes (Armagh Harps), Chris Lawn (Moortown), Owen Mulligan (Cookstown), Pascal McConnell (Newtownstewart), Michael McGee (Loughmacrory), Enda McGinley (Errigal Ciaran), Brian McGuigan (Ardboe), Ryan McMenamin (Dromore), Stephen O'Neill (Clan na nGael), Shane Sweeney (Aghyaran), Ryan Mellon (Moy), Brian Robinson (Donaghmore), Brian Meenan (Killyclogher), Peter Donnelly (Coalisland), Martin Penrose (Aghyaran), Ciaran Meenagh (Loughmacrroy), David Harte (Errigal Ciaran), Eoin Bradley (Killyclogher), Michael Murphy (Galbally).