GAELIC GAMES:INTERCOUNTY REFEREE Seán Whelan was the victim of an attack at the end of the Glynn-Barntown/St Anne's (Rathangan) Wexford Division One minor football championship semi-final at Killurin on last Sunday afternoon.
Whelan had blown for full-time at the end of a close and exciting game which St Anne's won by the minimum, 1-9 to 2-5, when he was attacked by two players, receiving blows to the head which left him stunned and in a state of shock.
Whelan, who is a garda, apparently received several blows to the head, before officials from both clubs intervened.
Speaking of his ordeal, Whelan said: "On the final whistle of what was a close and sporting game, in which just four yellow cards were issued, I was set upon by two players. It came totally out of the blue. I received several blows to the head, which left me stunned and shaken.
"It could have been far worse but for the intervention of officials from both clubs who came to my assistance.
"Given that it was a county semi-final and a local derby involving two sides from the Wexford District, I ensured that I had my own four umpires with me. I gave the game the importance it deserved. But the assault took me totally by surprise. This has no place in the GAA at any level."
Whelan went on to say: "I know the identity of both players. I cannot identify them to the media, but they will be included in my match report. It's then up to the underage county board to decide on appropriate action."
New Wexford Coiste na nÓg secretary Marian Doyle said they (the Coiste board) had spoken with the referee.
"We are still awaiting his match report. We cannot elaborate further but this is a serious matter. It's something that cannot be condoned. Whatever action is necessary will be taken."
Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy is looking to the future after including five of last year's under-21 squad in the panel for the New Year.
Sheedy, who delivered National Hurling League and Munster titles in his first year in charge, has brought in new blood to the squad to freshen things up. And, together with his selectors, Michael Ryan and Eamon O'Shea, he has introduced five of the team which lost the Under-21 All-Ireland to Kilkenny last September to the squad.
Into the fray have come Padraic Maher (Sarsfields), Gearóid Ryan (Templederry), Patrick Maher (Lorrha), Brendan Maher (Borrisoleigh) and Séamus Hennessy (Kilruane MacDonagh), while Clonoulty Rossmore player John Devane has also been recalled following a string of impressive displays for his club during the championship.
The Tipperary squad have not yet begun training as a result of the national directive regarding a closed season. However, the squad was away on holiday in Tenerife early in December and a number of players have been undertaking gym work on their own. The squad also had a fitness test in UL and are due to resume full training on January 3rd.
Meanwhile, Tipperary will welcome Cork in their National Hurling League tie to launch the new floodlights at Semple Stadium on February 14th. The floodlights complete the recent phase of redevelopment at the stadium.
New Limerick hurling manager Justin McCarthy will have his first game in charge when his side face UL in the preliminary round of the Waterford Crystal Cup on Sunday. But McCarthy will not get a chance to give some newcomers to his extended squad a chance to impress.
Third-level teams taking part in the competition have first call on their players, so McCarthy will be short at least 10 of his squad who will be in action for university and IT sides. Indeed one of Limerick's brightest, Séamus Hickey, is expected to play for UL. The winners will be out again a week later against Cork IT.
