It now seems certain that the incidents involving Dublin football goalkeeper Davy Byrne and Cork hurling goalkeeper Donal Og Cusack will not be discussed at tonight's meeting of the GAC.
There had been speculation that both men could be penalised for incidents in Dublin's Leinster semi-final meeting with Westmeath and Cork's Munster final clash with Tipperary. Byrne was yellow carded in Croke Park after rushing from his goalmouth to join in a minor altercation that broke out after play had stopped. While it was felt that the GAC might take further action - having highlighted its intention to stamp out third party infractions - sources close to Croke Park have indicated that this particular case will not be up for review.
It was also thought that Cusack could be penalised for his blatant drag-down of Tipperary forward Paul Shelley in Thurles. Although a penalty was awarded by referee Pat Horan, the Cloyne goalkeeper was not cautioned.
The feeling is that because the officials in charge of both matches dispensed what they believed to be adequate punishment for the indiscretions involved - a booking for Byrne's hot-headedness and a penalty in the case of the Cusack foul - the GAC has no call to pursue the matter further.
Had either player been sent off as a result of their actions, then the GAC would review the dismissal and apply censure according to the gravity of the indiscipline.
Ironically, the case of Leitrim's Colin Regan, the one player who was not cautioned by the referee for his on-field indiscretion, is likely to be singled out for discussion at tonight's sitting. The GAC will examine the video footage of the incident which will almost certainly end Regan's immediate interests in the forthcoming Connacht final. The defender is captured striking Roscommon's Francie Grehan from behind in an off-the-ball incident midway through the second half.
Regan was not cautioned by Cork referee Niall Barrett, but the clarity of the footage, shown extensively on RTE, leaves little doubt as to what occurred. Grehan suffered a broken nose in the incident.
Last night Regan issued a statement (see panel) expressing contrition for his act. However, the outcome could still be bleak for the player. The GAC has used video evidence in the past to administer punishment of acts of unwarranted aggression.
The dismissal of Regan's team-mate Aidan Rooney - ordered off late in the final - will also be up for review this evening. Should he receive the four-week ban which could well be applicable in his case, Rooney will be eligible for the Connacht final.
Meanwhile, the draw for the Guinness All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals will be made immediately after Sunday's Leinster final in Croke Park. In the drum will be beaten Munster finalists Tipperary, Connacht representatives Galway, the winners of Ulster and the runners-up in Leinster.
