An intercounty GAA player has been found guilty by a court in Dublin of committing assault during a challenge match last year.
James McCartan, (32), of Banbridge, Co Down, was found guilty of assaulting Mr Kenneth Larkin, Athlone, Co Westmeath, on May 25th last year at a friendly challenge match between Down and Westmeath in Newcastle, Co Dublin.
Mr McCartan, a Down All-Ireland medallist, denied he broke the other player's jaw by hitting him directly in the face with his clenched fist.
Judge William Early called Gaelic football "a robust contact sport" and said it was not uncommon for players to receive fractures or worse during during the course of the game.
"To strike someone without legal justification is a crime whether it takes place in the street, in the family home or the football pitch or elsewhere," Judge Early added.
Summing up he said: "I do not for a moment believe this story was invented by Kenneth Larkin out of malice". He also said it took "great courage" for Mr Larkin to bring the case before the courts.
Judge Early described McCartan as "an impressive man with impressive achievements," but he said felt that McCartan "having denied it from the start, he could not later admit the lie".
Judge Early postponed sentencing until Monday 22nd November to allow counsel for McCarten to prepare a response to the verdict.