Laois venue criticised

Leinster Council last night heard referee Fergus Smith's report on the fracas during the Laois-Dublin Walsh Cup match last Sunday. In it, the official was critical of the venue in Abbeyleix which had no perimeter fencing.

Council chairman Jim Berry echoed these sentiments when expressing reservations about the holding of matches at this time of the year when the only pitches playable were sometimes those without proper enclosure.

Both men criticised media coverage of the match, with Berry saying that it had "gone overboard". Smith expressed unhappiness in his report at the coverage of local radio.

He also timed the disorder at a minute and a half. After the final whistle, he had consulted with his umpires but no one had been able to identify the instigators of the outbreak.

In relation to Niall Rigney, Smith denied that he had sent off the Laois player, but rather had advised him after the disputed decision which preceded the fracas that he should go and "cool off".

Council also considered video evidence which was shot on behalf of the Laois team. A copy of the tape was also given to Dublin. Those identified as being responsible for the incident will be called to account at a later stage.

It was also decided to delegate the council's executive committee to deal with the matter, which will be considered at that body's next meeting on FEBRUARY 22nd.

It is understood that the video exonerates Dublin manager Michael O'Grady from the allegation that he didn't attempt to break up the row. His peace-keeping efforts are plainly visible, according to one official who had viewed the evidence.

Meanwhile, Munster champions Kerry have named a familiar side for Sunday's novel competitive fixture with the Kilkenny footballers - the only county team in the country not graded senior. It shows only a couple of changes from the team beaten by Cork in last week's McGrath Cup match in Killarney.

Chris Drummond and Aodan MacGearailt drop to the bench with 1997 All-Ireland winner Killian Burns coming in at left corner back and Currow's John McGlynn being named at right wing forward.