Banned Cork's Cronin to miss one game

Cork hurler Pa Cronin has been handed a one-match suspension arising out of an incident in the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway, which took place nearly three months ago.

The player is believed to have until Thursday to appeal the decision of the Central Hearings Committee, which was held at the weekend.

The long-running issue, which was delayed because Cork were out of the championship and there was no urgency to expedite the matter, has been a sore point in the county because the player was charged on the basis of video evidence – as the incident wasn’t seen by match referee Brian Gavin – but wasn’t allowed to present footage of the entire incident.

Although provocation wouldn’t have been a defence to the charge, Cork officials were anxious that Cronin’s actions be placed in context.

Cronin, who was nominated in the centrefield position in this year’s All Stars awards, will – should he decide not to pursue the matter to the Central Appeals Committee – stand suspended for the first match of next season.

Croke Park sources confirmed that there are no further cases outstanding from this year’s championship.