Na Fianna facing expulsion

News:Na Fianna are facing expulsion from the Dublin football championship while the participation of Kilmacud Crokes is also in doubt. Kilmacud have refused to play tonight's county semi-final against UCD until they know the date of the postponed semi-final between Na Fianna and St Vincent's. They even refused a compromise by the Dublin GAC to reschedule their fixture to Tuesday.

"We've notified the board that we will not be fielding a team but are hopeful the issue can be sorted out behind the scenes," said Crokes spokesman Martin Glynn.

Under Rule 117 of the GAA guidebook, UCD can be awarded victory if Kilmacud fail to turn up.

The problem with St Vincent's against Na Fianna is an objection by Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh to the fielding of Na Fianna player Gary Mullin in last Saturday's quarter-final.

They claim Mullin's transfer from Mayo to Dublin is void as he was living in Chicago at the time and he played in two championships in the same season. The GAC are hearing this case tomorrow evening.

Mullin is also in front of the Disputes Resolution Authority tomorrow to contest a 12-week suspension he received while playing in America.

"We are hoping common sense can prevail in these matters and have set a date for the game (Oliver Plunketts or Na Fianna v St Vincent's) for next Wednesday," said Dublin GAC chairman James Foran.

However, depending on the result, either Oliver Plunketts or Na Fianna are expected to appeal the judgement to the Leinster Council and possibly the DRA.

Such a drawn-out process could mean Dublin sacrifice a representative in the Leinster club championship, which they are due to play on November 5th. The county final is set for October 29th.

Meanwhile, senior Mayo county board officials are expected to meet with team manager Mickey Moran this weekend to clear the air after a week that saw heavy criticism of the team management, and the subsequent resignation of Moran's number two, John Morrison.

County board chairman James Waldron admitted the county executive were critical of Moran's preparations for the 13-point defeat to Kerry in the All-Ireland final.

However, he refused to comment on the Derry native's future despite the resignation of selector Morrison on Tuesday.

"We need to sit down and talk to Mickey," said Waldron.

" I have had an excellent relationship with him this year although it is no secret that several members of the executive expressed dissatisfaction with the management's performance."

Morrison is believed to have stepped down as a result of this criticism and many expect Moran to follow his right-hand man after their work together for several years at Donegal, Derry and now Mayo.

Moran's wishes are, however, unclear as he has kept an almost total silence since the heavy All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry last month, and both he and Morrison were unavailable for comment yesterday.

The third member of the management team - Kieran Gallagher - has declined to comment on the controversy.