Ban would not greatly affect Tompkins

Although it remains to be seen if referee Michael Curley will cite Cork manager Larry Tompkins for verbal abuse over comments made during Sunday's Munster football semi-final, the mandatory two-month ban will have little impact anyway.

Because the suspension would come into force from the date of the disciplinary meeting, Tompkins would have fully served it by the time Cork resume training for the National League.

The GAA's Games Administration Committee could deal with the fallout from Sunday's Munster semi-final in Killarney this week pending Curley's report. The incensed Cork manager was trenchant in his post-match criticism of the Galway referee following their heated sideline debate early in the second half.

He was particularly upset by the second of two penalty decisions awarded by Curley to Kerry and vowed that the referee would not officiate any future games which might involve him.

"I am not happy with him - it's as simple as that. That's my own personal view. He was a disgrace," Tompkins said afterwards.

Cork County Board chairman Jim Forbes said he was not in a position to make a statement on the board's stance in relation to Tompkins' remarks.

"What Larry said was a personal thing, his own opinion. I did talk to him afterwards but only to thank him for his efforts. I think everyone from Cork was deeply proud of the team's second-half comeback. I'm sure that the issue of Larry's feelings about the officiating will come up at the next county board meeting and until then, it would not be correct to comment upon the matter."

Although Cork's stirring revival drew widespread admiration, the loss nonetheless continues a miserable spell for last year's All-Ireland finalists, who failed to shake off a league slump and were relegated.

While Tompkins' term is due to extend into next year, there were some questions whether he would wish to continue, given his obvious upset at Sunday's defeat.

"Obviously we are hopeful that Larry will keep going," said Forbes. "Four of the five management team are due to return, the only change being whoever the representative from the county championship winning side turns out to be, replacing UCC's Eamonn Ryan. Obviously, should a fellow wish to opt out, we would have to respect that decision.

"But the manner in which the team attacked the game in the second half restored a lot of pride to Cork football and I believe that while many supporters left Killarney disappointed by the final result, it was reassuring in terms of the long-term prospects. Larry is still developing that team and it is clear that they have the potential to return and challenge for major honours."

The severity of censure for verbal abuse of officials was highlighted in recent weeks after Derry dual player Geoffrey McGonigle found himself contemplating an idle summer for comments he made during a club game.

While many felt that McGonigle's two-month suspension was harsh compared to suspensions for physical indiscretions, any ban on Tompkins would be effectively meaningless because Cork have been eliminated.

Meanwhile, Niall Buckley will not be returning from America for Kildare's Leinster semi-final meeting against Offaly next Sunday.

The death has taken place of Joe Stafford, the former Cavan senior footballer who played in the historic 1947 All-Ireland final at the Polo Grounds in New York.

Playing at right corner forward that day, Stafford scored a crucial goal in the 2-11 to 2-7 victory over Kerry. He was also part of the 1948 Cavan team which beat Mayo to win their second consecutive All-Ireland crown.