KERRY COUNTY board chairman Jerome Conway admitted to being mystified at the turn of events that has seen the Central Hearings Committee (CHC) give Cork's Donnacha O'Connor the go-ahead to play in Sunday's All-Ireland football semi-final replay.
Speaking on Radio Kerry, Conway said: "While I was not privy to what went on at the hearing nor had I any right to be there - we are all bound by the Official Guide - and in the Official Guide it says that a Category II offence, which is punishable by a four-week suspension, includes striking or attempting to strike with the hand.
"Now it was clear for all to see that Aidan O'Mahony was struck with the hand on Sunday last and the degree of force has nothing at all to do with it. It would equally appear that the hearings committee has taken upon itself to define the levels of striking and would appear to be saying that striking with the open hand is not a Category II offence.
"I would say that as striking with the hand is defined as a Category II offence and if the CHC has disagreed with this then this is a very dangerous precedent and secondly I would say that it is not within their remit as that would be the remit of Central Council, I would imagine.
"This must be very confusing for referees this evening who are going out to referee local games because are they now to believe that striking with an open hand is not a Category II offence and doesn't deserve a red card."
Conway went on to ask that someone of appropriate seniority within the GAA, such as the president Nickey Brennan, clarify to administrators in Kerry and elsewhere how this decision was reached. "We need someone from the highest level to clarify for all of us - administrators, players and referees: is striking with the open hand to the face of a player a Category II offence which will result in a penalty of four weeks. We need that clarified at the highest level to clear up the confusion."
The chair also confirmed that Kerry centrefielder Darragh Ó Sé did not look for a personal hearing and he hit out at what he termed "the vilification of Aidan O'Mahony in certain sections of the media" while totally ignoring the player who struck him with an open hand.
