Glen end club final saga as they withdraw appeal against Kilmacud victory

Kilmacud Crokes have finally secured the All-Ireland title. With the club stating that they would take their case to the Central Appeals Committee (CAC) to challenge the order for a replay of the final, opponents Glen dramatically announced on Friday night that they were “withdrawing from the process”.

The Derry champions had lodged an objection after the final because Kilmacud had 16 players on the field for the last play of the match after a substitution had not been completed.

The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) ruled earlier this week that a replay should take place – one of three penalty option for the breach of rule, along with forfeiture or a fine – and Kilmacud duly appealed that decision.

Glen’s statement brings to an end a fierce controversy.

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In the midst of the relief for the Dublin champions as well as for the GAA, certain issues need to be tidied up. Will Kilmacud pursue their appeal against the CCCC decision? The CAC had scheduled a meeting to hear their case on Sunday.

They may decide to pursue the matter in order to vindicate the club’s position.

If they don’t, there will be no further actions taken.

Glen, in their statement, released to Gaelic Life said that their decision to withdraw was based on the lack of “opportunity for a replay to be held”. That had become a problem with so many players from both clubs having taken holidays – the original match had been a ‘winner on the day’ fixture with no replay date fixed.

The respective county football teams are also up and running in the national league.

Given that the GAA has already ordained a replay, the protocol from here will be to ascertain that Glen are withdrawing and award the match and title to Kilmacud.

The Dublin champions aren’t mentioned in the statement, which read as follows:

“Watty Graham’s GAC, Glen lodged an objection to the result of the All-Ireland club final because we believed that grounds existed for a replay to be held if Rule 6.44 had been broken.

“However, the club does not now believe that the opportunity is there for a replay to go ahead.

“Due to the ongoing proceedings, we as a club now do not believe the conditions exist for a replay to be contested.

“Consequently, Watty Graham’s, Glen would like to withdraw from this process.

“The club added that the sense of pride and respect they have for their team and management would endure.

“They have treated us to countless moments of joy, which until recently, we didn’t even know were possible.

“Watty Graham’s GAC would like to thank our members for all the support they have given to our players, management and committee.

“The club would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the messages of help and support we have received from throughout the country.

“We will go again. Onwards and upwards. An Gleann Abu!”