Wexford not pushing for incident investigation

The chances of an investigation into an alleged incident at last weekend's Dublin-Wexford O'Byrne Cup match are receding. Yesterday the Wexford county board released a statement saying the matter was in the hands of the Leinster Council, given it had been mentioned in the referee's report.

A more vigorous response was seen as necessary if the incident was to be the subject of a formal investigation, given the ambiguities in the referee's report.

The controversy arose when Wexford defender Colm Morris said after the game he had been hit by a Dublin selector during the match, which Dublin won.

Although the referee, Gabriel McKenny from Louth, was told about the incident by one of his umpires, he didn't take action other than to warn the Dublin management about keeping off the field of play.

In his report McKenny didn't dwell on the matter beyond a brief reference. At a meeting on Wednesday night the Wexford management committee discussed what had happened but, contrary to some indications, decided against issuing a complaint to the Leinster Council, which would have automatically triggered an investigation.

Instead they issued the following statement: "An incident in the second half of last Sunday's O'Byrne Cup game between Wexford and Dublin is referred to in the referee's report. The matter now rests with Cómhairle Laighean, and Coiste Chondae Loch Garman will not be making any further comment."

Michael Delaney, secretary of the Leinster Council, said that whereas the matter would be brought up at the provincial GAC meeting next Wednesday, he didn't believe witnesses would be called.

"We have very little to go on in the referee's report. There's a possibility that our officers might decide to ask individuals to attend next week but I would imagine that there'll be no-one called."

In that event and considering that no witnesses apart from Morris himself have so far come forward, the absence of a complaint from Wexford lessens the prospects for initiating an investigation under Rule 152 of the Official Guide.

Meanwhile, arrangements for the O'Byrne Shield semi-final between Wicklow and DCU have been changed. It will take place in Baltinglass tomorrow evening at 6.30pm.

Brian Begley returned to training with the Limerick senior hurlers this week after a two-year absence through injury, but is unlikely to be included in the team to play Tipperary in the Munster Cup at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.

Selector Liam Lenihan team selection had been delayed until Friday. Limerick will be without the Moran brothers, Olly and Niall.