Dolphin await ruling on O'Driscoll

The All-Ireland League committee held an emergency meeting in Dublin last night to review the objection by Young Munster RFC over the eligibility of Dolphin player Andrew O'Driscoll. An announcement is expected this morning.

The six-man committee, chaired by Finbar Crowley, sought further information from Dolphin yesterday regarding O'Driscoll's movement from Bandon RFC this season.

A spokesman for Dolphin confirmed yesterday the club registered the player after the October 1st deadline, specified under league regulation 13.1.

O'Driscoll was an unused substitute in Dolphin's victory over Bective Rangers on the last day of the regular season and came off the bench in the Division Two semi-final defeat of Young Munster last Saturday.

Dolphin could be deducted two points, which would see Young Munster promoted to Division One in their place. In that event they would also miss out on Saturday's final against Terenure.

Another eligibility case, an objection by Dublin University to the Galwegians player Killian Finnane, was not dealt with last night as there are no immediate time constraints. Galwegians avoided relegation from Division One by finishing two points clear of the students.

This case may, however, be thrown out, as Galwegians have referred to league regulations stating an objection must be lodged within seven days of any alleged breach of regulations.

Finnane played in the 26-23 victory over Trinity on January 21st, but IRFU administration manager Gordon Black only informed the club last week.

Galwegians also pointed out a club can only object in the context of a game in which they have played. This may have implications for the O'Driscoll case as Young Munster objected to his presence in the squad for Dolphin's game against Bective.

Meanwhile, the first-division clubs association of the All-Ireland League have expressed disgust at the IRFU decision to move the Division Three final out of Lansdowne Road.

"Unfortunately this is not the only example this season of the arrogance . . . shown by the IRFU to the senior rugby clubs in Ireland," association chairman John Glackin said.