Tyrone get chance to answer charge

A lengthy meeting of the Ulster Council last night found Tyrone in breach of the competition regulations of the Dr McKenna Cup, arising from their use of college players in last Sunday's defeat of Derry. However, any penalty has been deferred until the Tyrone County Board are afforded the chance to answer the charge.

A brief statement issued after last night's meeting confirmed the competitions control committee of the Ulster Council had charged Tyrone with an "infraction following the investigation into the issue of college players, but that no further action would be taken until a response is received from the county board".

Tyrone's next match, against Cavan and scheduled for Sunday, remains on hold pending the board's response, although according to a spokesman for the Ulster Council, it is still their hope to conclude the competition in a fair and agreeable manner.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte had insisted four of his players - Brendan Boggs, Colm Cavanagh and Damien McCaul from UUJ, and Cathal McCarron of St Mary's - were entitled to opt for their county rather than their college. Yet the McKenna Cup regulations are clear on the issue of availability: Rules one and four state university sides have first call on players and players can play for only one team.

The four Tyrone players were all listed in their college panels, submitted by deadline last month. Harte disputes the right of first pick accorded to the colleges.