Inquiry into violent scenes

News: The Waterford County Board is expected to investigate what led to the violent scenes which marred last Sunday's hurling championship semi-final between Ballygunner and Lismore.

Four players were sent off in a four-minute period, and a Garda presence was required to ensure referee Michael Wadding got off the pitch safely at full-time. Also, a former referee, who was assisting Wadding's exit, was struck by a hurl.

Three Lismore players, Brendan Landers, Michael Walsh and Michael Sullivan (all two yellow cards), were dismissed, while Ballygunner's intercounty star Paul Flynn was also shown a straight red card 20 minutes into the second-half.

Considering Ballygunner eventually won the match 2-15 to 2-13, Flynn is certain to be suspended for the final against Mount Sion on October 10th. He will be a massive loss, as his 1-8 haul proved over the weekend.

Waterford PRO John Jackson said the disciplinary board would take no action until the referee's report was handed in.

Meanwhile, Mayo are hopeful they can select a strong under-21 team ahead of Saturday's All-Ireland final against Armagh in Breffni Park, Cavan. The senior panel, which contains nine of the under-21 squad, flew out of Dublin yesterday afternoon and training resumes tonight.

Selector George Golden was adamant both the management and players should immediately bury the disappointment of Sunday's crushing senior defeat to Kerry.

"It's a must that we do," he said "this level is important to find extra players for the senior team. All the under-21 players had a quiet night on Sunday, and the best way to take the pain away is to win the title."

Golden was pleased by the performances of under-21 players, like Michael Conroy who came in and kicked 1-1.

"The young guys that came in did quite well, but we were pushed around a lot and found it impossible to cope with all the physical goings on. Kerry's intensity and power was a big blow.

"We were happy with the preparation, but it's possible we were too relaxed going into an All-Ireland final - and we were extremely relaxed because of the manner of our preparations. We were simply beaten in too many positions."

Armagh manager Peter Rafferty will not name a side until Thursday, but they have a clean bill of health.