Cork appeal fails

Cork last night failed in their appeal against suspensions and fines arising from the pre-match fracas at last month's Munster hurling championship match against Clare in Thurles.

Yesterday evening's meeting of the GAA's Central Appeals Committee lasted for nearly five hours, deliberating late into the night on the cases made by three Cork players against their four-week  suspensions and by the county board against fines.

The three players, Dónal Cusack, Diarmuid O'Sullivan and Seán Ó hAilpín, were all in attendance as they attempted to clear themselves in time for tomorrow's Munster semi-final against Waterford.

The decision was communicated to the parties immediately in order to expedite any recourse to the Disputes Resolution Authority, which may take place later on today.

The CAC chair Jim Forbes, who is from Cork, had to step down as did Tom Downes from Clare and Waterford member Pat Flynn, whose county face Cork tomorrow in Thurles. Former Galway referee Michael Curley took the chair in Forbes's absence.

The appeals of the Clare players weren't heard as it isn't as urgent given that their next match is the qualifier against Antrim in two weeks.