Shefflin passed fit for replay

GAA:HENRY SHEFFLIN has been passed fit to play in the Kilkenny hurling club final replay this Sunday at Nowlan Park.

The 10-time All Star recovered from shoulder damage sustained in Ballyhale Shamrocks’ semi-final against O’Loughlin Gaels to strike the equalising point in last Sunday’s draw with James Stephens.

Shefflin needed treatment for the injury during the match, but recovered to land the last two frees for Ballyhale, including a long-range effort with 63 minutes 46 seconds on the clock.

The referee Maurice Flynn had initially indicated at least two minutes of additional time. Eamon Mansfield will take charge of the replay.

The draw has forced the Leinster Council to reschedule the provincial quarter-final between the Kilkenny and Wexford champions, Oulart-The-Ballagh, to the following weekend.

In other news, the London competition control committee is expected to rule today on the alleged assault of referee Beano Collins last Saturday at Ruislip.

Collins showed a red card to Paul Geraghty of Neasden Gaels after being reportedly struck to the ground in the closing stages of the Division One football league final. Kingdom Kerry Gaels won the match after extra-time, 1-12 to 1-9, following a controversially awarded goal from Maurice Carrig.

Collins also sent off the Kingdom’s Brendan O’Sullivan and Neasden’s Peadar Friel earlier in the contest.

The referee’s report is currently being reviewed by the disciplinary arm of London GAA.

“The referee’s report is going to be the crucial factor,” said London county board chairman Tommy Harrell, who was at the game. “If he’s going to give a full account of what happened, the player will be charged and a suspension will be proposed, which he will have the right to contest. This is a very serious issue that will require swift action.”

Meanwhile, the London County Board met last Monday night to give unanimous backing to the proposal to enter a team in the Connacht FBD League competition in January.

Travel costs are expected to exceed €23,000.

Harrell said: “That figure would be fairly accurate and I think we can meet that commitment, but the Connacht Council have already told us that they can offer us nothing financially.”