Dublin apologise to Freeman

THE DUBLIN County Board have admitted responsibility for an alleged incident in the closing stages of last Sunday's football league match against Monaghan at Parnell Park.

A statement issued last night by the board committee confirmed they had "identified the individual involved" and disciplinary action had been taken.

The committee had been investigating the incident for two days, following Monaghan's complaint that one of their players, Thomas Freeman, was struck by a member of Dublin's backroom staff just as the game climaxed in a draw.

"The identity of the individual has been communicated to the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC)," read the statement. "And disciplinary action has been taken. The Dublin county board, team management and the individual involved have personally apologised to Thomas Freeman and regret that the incident ever occurred."

It is still unclear, however, how precisely Dublin have disciplined the backroom staff member, nor have they made public his identity.

On Tuesday, the CCCC initiated their own investigation, after the formal complaint was originally lodged by the Monaghan football management on Monday evening, and it still appears likely further disciplinary action will be taken by the CCCC.

CCCC chairman Jimmy Dunne explained correspondence had been sought from both counties and they would bring that back to their next meeting, next Tuesday.

"We'll decide then what further action is necessary if we need to move it forward," he added.

Monaghan's complaint to the CCCC was lodged by county board chairman John Connolly, who was adamant Freeman had been struck by "a Dublin official" just as Paul Finlay scored the injury-time free that levelled the contest.

"What happened to Tommy is thuggery," explained Connolly.

Dublin county board secretary John Costello had confirmed earlier this week Connolly had told them of the alleged headbutting incident, and added they would be "co-operating fully with any investigation".

Last night's statement, issued by Costello on behalf of the county board committee, backed up that claim and represents a swift response to what looked like being another drawn-out process.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed the Wexford County Board will take their case against Cork's position in the National Hurling League to the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA).

The county board executive met on Wednesday to discuss options after the Central Appeals Committee ruled out of order their objection to Kilkenny's and Waterford's walkovers (resulting from the Cork players' strike).

The appeal was rejected on the grounds a Central Competitions Control Committee decision cannot be appealed and notification was received too late.

"A meeting of An Coiste Bainistí Loch Garman was held last night to discuss their current situation and it was unanimously agreed to avail of the appropriate procedure in taking their case to the DRA," said a Wexford statement.

The GAA have advertised two positions aimed at updating their communications and human-resources systems. A new human resources manager will oversee the GAA's some 700 employees. A new director of communications will have overall responsibility for dealing with the media.