GAA issues €6k fine and 108-week ban in total for underage brawl

Cork County Board imposed the heavy sanctions after controversial on-field incidents at a Valley Rovers and St Vincent’s U-16 hurling game in Ballinora in Cork.

The clubs were also fined €3,000 each. One Valley Rovers member received a sideline ban of 96 weeks while a St Vincent’s member was handed a touchline ban of 12 weeks.

Gardai and the county board launched separate investigations into the fracas which forced the match to be abandoned. The match, an U-16 Rebel Og East hurling fixture between the two clubs on July 20, was halted after an on-field incident in the second half

A thrilling game had reached a climax 18 minutes into the second half when St Vincent’s scored two points to level the match at 2-10 each.

Seconds after the teams drew level an individual ran on to the pitch and angrily confronted both the referee and a number of players.

It is alleged that one person was then struck. A general melee then broke out where two other people were struck and injured.

Three people were subsequently taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) to have minor injuries treated.

One was kept overnight before being discharged. None of the injuries were described as serious. The game was formally abandoned and gardai are now seeking to speak to a number of people who were at the game.

The clubs were also fined €3,000 each. One Valley Rovers member received a sideline ban of 96 weeks while a St Vincent’s member was handed a touchline ban of 12 weeks.

St Vincent’s has already signalled that it will appeal the punishment, while Valley Rovers are understood to be considering their position.

The Herald