There has been no official response yet from Dublin and Tyrone in relation to the punishments handed down by the CDC at the weekend. It is expected that both counties will appeal but by yesterday evening Tyrone had yet to receive written confirmation of the disciplinary decisions.
"Notification arrived today," said Dublin selector David Billings, "and the players will consult with the county secretary and Central Council delegate before deciding what to do."
All concerned have three days from receipt of letters to lodge their appeals.
"We haven't received anything in writing," said Tyrone PRO Brendan Harkin yesterday evening. "There's been work stoppages in the Belfast sorting office so it's likely the post has been held up for a day or so.
As soon as we get it, we'll make a decision and issue a statement."
There is encouraging news from Australia of former Cork hurler Setanta Ó hAilpín at his AFL club Carlton. Senior reporter Rohan Connolly of Melbourne newspaper The Age had this to say about a practice match he watched. "Paul Bower had a tough time in defence coping with an explosive Setanta Ó hAilpín whose form was the clear highlight - the big, strong Irish key forward kicking a couple of early goals, giving away (setting up) a couple more, leading well and marking strongly."
Meanwhile at Croke Park yesterday GAA president Seán Kelly and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern launched the "Gaelic Games for All" initiative which is aimed at creating playing opportunities outside of traditional competitive structures.
"The National Games Development Committee is already actively pursuing this," according to Kelly, "but there is much that can be done by clubs to promote the playing of our games in a recreational or social context and we would encourage clubs to examine ways in which they can develop non-contact games on a social level among their members."
The AIB club awards for the players of the provincial championships were announced yesterday.
FOOTBALL: Alan Kerins (Connacht, Salthill-Knocknacarra), Ray Cosgrove (Leinster, Kilmacud Crokes), James Masters (Munster, Nemo Rangers), Karl Stewart (Ulster, St Galls).
HURLING: Damien Hayes (Connacht, Portumna), Eoin Larkin (Leinster, James Stephens), Jerry O'Connor (Munster, Newtownshandrum), Johnny McGrattan (Ulster, Ballygalget).
