Caltra incident on the agenda

GAA: Newly crowned Connacht club football champions Caltra could face disqualification from the All-Ireland championship after an incident during Sunday's final against Sligo champions Curry at Pearse Park in which the latter's manager, Denis Kearney, was knocked over.

Caltra manager Frank Doherty has been called before the Connacht Council tomorrow evening concerning this incident. Doherty was seen clashing with his counterpart during the second half of the match, during which the Galway side won their first provincial title.

Around halfway through the second period Kearney was on the field giving tactical instructions - something not allowed under rule - and as he left the pitch was met by Doherty.

According to an eye witness, the Caltra manager ran towards Kearney - a former Mayo corner back - and shouldered or dunted him so that the latter fell over.

Evidently surprised, Kearney got up, looked at Doherty and went back to his bench. At this stage there were a number of people on the sideline, but Connacht Council officials moved to disperse them.

If the provincial council finds that Doherty did hit his counterpart there could be serious consequences. Under Rule 138 (1) of the Official Guide it is a category (A) offence for a player or official to interfere with "a referee, umpire, linesman or opposing team official".

The minimum suspensions stipulated in 138 (3) are: (i) For abusive or threatening language or conduct - eight weeks (ii) For any type of minor physical interference (e.g., laying a hand on, pushing, pulling or jostling) - 24 weeks (iii) For any type of assault - 48 weeks and his team shall be liable to disqualification.

Despite photographs suggesting that a punch was thrown, some of those who saw the incident don't believe there was any more than a shoulder hit involved.

How the council view the incident will determine what punishment, if any, is to be imposed. It is likely that disqualification will be considered too harsh if a punch wasn't thrown. But the problem for Doherty is that if he receives any suspension he will be ruled out of involvement in the club's first All-Ireland campaign.

Even if the minimum ban were imposed it would still involve missing both February - the month of the semi-finals - and March - the final is on St Patrick's Day - because December and January don't count for the purposes of serving suspensions.

Meanwhile, Pad Joe Whelahan has confirmed he will stay on as manager of deposed All-Ireland club champions Birr. After Sunday's defeat by Kilkenny side O'Loughlin Gaels he had seemed ambivalent about the future, given he has been appointed manager of the Limerick county hurlers.

Asked after Sunday's match would he want to concentrate on his new position, he replied: "I was in Limerick yesterday (Saturday) and had a meeting with 64 players. I'm doing both jobs at the moment."

But yesterday he announced he would continue with the club he has led to three All-Ireland titles.

Still in Offaly, football wing back John Kenny has announced his retirement from intercounty action. Although not yet 30, he has been playing senior intercounty for over a decade. He will be part of the county's minors management team next season.

Mayo chairman Paddy Naughton has hit out at misbehaviour towards referees. In his report to this year's convention, he states: "Abuse of referees will not be tolerated. I am telling you, the clubs, that you must take responsibility for the behaviour of your players, officials and spectators, because if not you will have to accept the consequences.

"We need new referees coming on stream, but who would accept the verbal abuse that is forthcoming on the odd occasion? And might I add that this abuse does not always occur at adult level.

"The attitude at underage seems to be 'win at all costs'. If you do not win lay the blame on somebody, the referee. Is this the example we should be giving the youngsters of today? I say not."

Finally, Dublin will play a challenge match against Louth in Malahide next Saturday. Throw-in is at noon and children will be admitted free. Adults will be charged €5.