GAELIC GAMES:THE Garda said yesterday they are not investigating the incident that led to Donegal footballer Leo McLoone sustaining a damaged eye socket, writes Gavin Cummiskey.
McLoone was rushed to hospital for surgery following a brawl, allegedly involving 40 players and mentors, at the end of a game in Glenties between Glenswilly and Naomh Conaill on Sunday.
The 21-year-old Donegal defender has been ruled out of the Ulster final against Derry on July 17th. McLoone told match officials someone came up from behind and struck him during a melee.
A senior Garda officer said yesterday: “There has been no complaint and gardaí are not investigating. If a complaint is made we will initiate an inquiry.”
The Donegal County Board are awaiting a report from match referee Séamus McGonigle, who is also a garda, before initiating their own investigation.
“A number of county board officers were present at the game, so that should make it easier for the (Donegal) CCC (competitions control committee) to examine the situation, once the referees report has been submitted,” said county board secretary Aodh Máirtín Fearraigh.
According to witnesses, a player from Naomh Conaill and a mentor from Glenswilly were involved in an exchange in the middle of the field after McGonigle had blown the full-time whistle.
McLoone scored a goal in his side’s 1-10 to 2-6 defeat. He only recently returned from a broken leg sustained playing for the club last March, and has featured off the bench for Jim McGuinness’ team throughout this season’s run to the Ulster championship final.
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