Banned clubs get under-age reprieve

Two Wicklow camogie clubs have been handed a reprieve, but only at under-age level.

Both Kiltegan and Annacurra camogie clubs had been handed lifetime bans by the Wicklow Camogie Board after their county senior club semi-final ended in a mass brawl - the women setting about each other with flying fists and kicks - and referee Martina Kennedy abandoning the game for her own safety and that of the players.

Wicklow County Camogie Board, having investigated the brawl, which brought disgrace to the Camogie Association in this their centenary year, handed lifetime bans to the club, which included under-age players, while players were also prevented from transferring to other clubs.

But following appeals, the Leinster Council has handed the clubs something of a remission by allowing their players under the age of 18 to continue playing.

This was following a meeting of the Provincial Council, who have confirmed their decision, but the ban on the adult women remains in place. Now the Wicklow Camogie Board and the clubs have a right to appeal further to Central Council.

The severity of the initial ban affected some 90 members of the Kiltegan club from under-10 upwards, while Annacurra were similarly affected.

It's not yet clear if further appeals by the clubs will be made to Central Council or if Wicklow Camogie Board will appeal the decision of the provincial council.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Carlow County Board to decide if Luke Dempsey is to take up the position of manager to the senior football team.

Dempsey had assumed control in a temporary capacity only weeks before the championship following the controversial resignation of manager Mick Condon and his backroom team.

Having guided the county to a shock opening-round championship victory over Longford, which was followed by admirable displays in defeat against Laois and Down, Dempsey laid down his demands to county board officers immediately after the clash with the Ulster county.

Dempsey, who expressed an interest in remaining in control while also taking over the under-21 side, spoke of a physical-fitness training regime, training weekends away, and full financial backing for the side, matters that needed to be addressed by the county board is he was to remain in charge.

But now the county board chairman, Eddie Byrne, has spoken of time moving on and the need to have the position clarified.

"We hope to discuss the matter this weekend and that Luke will take up the post," said Byrne.

"The county board and the players are anxious that Luke remain and I'm confident that the financial backing will be in place should he be appointed. We as a county board are prepared to make a commitment to him. We'll be disappointed if he does not stay.

"The county semi-finals are this weekend. With a panel needed to be put in place to begin preparations for the national league we hope to have something sorted out this weekend."

It could be an anxious few days for Carlow footballers for it's believed Dempsey is also being hunted by Longford.