Kilmacud-Glen saga finally brought to a close as saner counsels prevail

The final resolution of the Kilmacud-Glen saga will come as a relief to the All-Ireland champions and the GAA, as even with the Derry club’s withdrawal from the process last Friday the whole sorry matter could have been even further protracted.

Saner counsels prevailed. Within Kilmacud, there were views on either side: accept the award of the title or proceed with their appeal to the CAC and potentially to the DRA in order to vindicate their position.

Of course they might not have succeeded, which would have placed an asterisk over their situation and left them in reputational limbo, awarded the title but their counter-objection to the replay ordered by the Central Competitions Control Committee rejected.

These were narrow margins. Kilmacud were anxious to avoid being awarded the All-Ireland in the committee room, having won it on the field. But despite being asked, Glen made it clear that although they were withdrawing from the process, they were not withdrawing their objection to the result.

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In the event CCCC made it easier for the Dublin club by including in Thursday’s statement, references to the committee having “made it clear that this was not a deliberate action and that no fault was attributed to Kilmacud Crokes for the situation they found themselves in”.

It is thought that Glen’s appetite for a replay had waned when it became clear that the fixture might not take place quickly because of player holidays and other commitments.

Although Friday’s statement effectively resolved the matter, the GAA still had tidying up to do. They had ordered a replay so that had to be unwound. As the original objection was still in place, representatives of both clubs were invited to engage with GAA officials.

The controversy arose over the fielding of an unauthorised player by Kilmacud for the closing seconds of the final – which came about when replacement Conor Casey took to the field before Dara Mullin had left – during which Glen, trailing by 1-9 to 1-11, had a 45 for which the 16th man was clearly apparent on the pitch in television pictures.

The CCCC held that this was a breach of rule with strict liability and decided with the match so delicately poised that a replay was the most appropriate remedy as opposed to a forfeit or a fine. Once Glen objected, the replay was always going to be ordered.

The committee also acknowledged that there had been officiating errors. Referee Derek O’Mahoney restarted play as Casey was coming on to the pitch and Kilmacud were arguing that they had been interrupted making the substitution.

As soon as the error was spotted – and the sideline official, according to Kilmacud manager Robbie Brennan, had been remonstrating that Mullin hadn’t exited the field – the referee should have ordered the 45 to be retaken but for whatever reason, did not do so.

For the future, it is likely that rules on replacements during matches will have to be tightened so that no one can enter the field of play until the player they are replacing has left.

The statements from the GAA and Kilmacud are below published in full, first the CCCC’s.

“Representatives of Kilmacud Crokes and the CCCC met today to consider the implications of the decision on Friday of Watty Graham’s Glen to withdraw from the process initiated around the 2023 AIB All-Ireland club football final.

“The CCCC, arising from an objection on behalf of Watty Graham’s Glen, had ordered a replay of the game on the basis that in excess of the number of players permitted were on the field for the last play of the game.

“The CCCC decision – communicated to the two clubs on Tuesday of last week – had made it clear that this was not a deliberate action and that no fault was attributed to Kilmacud Crokes for the situation they found themselves in.

“Upon a request from the CCCC, Kilmacud Crokes in the interests of fully resolving the matter, today (Thursday) agreed to withdraw their appeal to the Central Appeals Committee.

“A subsequent meeting of the CCCC has formally awarded the 2023 All Ireland club championship to Kilmacud Crokes.”

The Dublin club, who have won three All-Irelands, issued their reaction on social media.

“We welcome today’s statement by the GAA which brings to an end what has been a very difficult two weeks for both Watty Graham’s GAC, The Glen and our own Kilmacud Crokes.

“The teams, management and the family and friends of all GAA clubs know the sacrifice, physical endurance and mental strength that is required to reach an All-Ireland senior club football final and we congratulate both clubs on their achievement.

“We would like to thank our players, the management team, volunteers and our wider membership community for their ongoing support and commitment. Our club will continue to move forward focused on our passion to promote the enjoyment of Gaelic games within our community in an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment for all ages and all levels.”