Cronin expected to contest semi-final ban

CORK HURLER Pa Cronin is expected to attend a meeting of the GAA’s Central Hearings Committee this weekend to contest a proposed suspension arising from August’s All-Ireland semi-final against Galway.

Cronin, who was last week nominated for an All Star, had been cited by the Central Competitions Control Committee on foot of a second-half incident in the Galway match, which was not dealt with by referee Brian Gavin showing any cards on the day of the match.

The CCCC is believed to have proposed a one-match suspension, which would apply at the start of next season, after reviewing video footage of the incident, an altercation with an opponent.

Cork are unhappy the video review extended only to Cronin’s alleged infraction without taking into account the circumstances that led to it, which are believed to constitute provocation.

Although that wouldn’t constitute a defence to any charge, the player and team officials are anxious the full context of the incident be reviewed.

The match took place nearly two months ago, on August 12th, and there was no hurry to fix the hearing, as Cork wanted the full video evidence released and as the team had lost the semi-final there was no urgency about the date of any hearing.

There is an irony in action being taken for an incident in the Galway-Cork semi-final given the other semi-final between Kilkenny and Tipperary attracted much criticism for its indiscipline.