RTÉ awaiting decision by Leinster Council

RTÉ SPORT are awaiting confirmation from the Leinster Council regarding the televising of two championship matches over the next two weekends but it is almost certain the Westmeath versus Offaly football quarter-final will not be shown live next Saturday due to a clash with the European Championships soccer tournament.

RTÉ informed the GAA back in March that the preference was to screen this match, along with the Dublin against Wexford in the Leinster hurling semi-final in afternoon slots on RTÉ2. They were also willing to show games on RTÉ1 with 4.15pm being the latest throw-in.

Two meetings between the broadcaster and the GAA, of which no representative of the Leinster Council was present, took place but last month the provincial council came back with 7pm slots which RTÉ could not cater for as they are contractually obliged to screen Switzerland v the Czech Republic on June 7th and Sweden v Spain on June 14th. Both these games kick-off at 5pm on RTÉ2.

The Westmeath v Offaly fixture can no longer be salvaged, there will be deferred coverage, but the Dublin against Wexford match can be shown live, providing Leinster's central competitions control committee agree to bring forward the throw-in time to the afternoon.

The Leinster body meets this evening and if they do not opt to alter the throw-in then the Dublin and Wexford hurlers will also be relegated to a highlights package.

"The Leinster Council has always maintained a good relationship with RTÉ and while we were disappointed with the current situation we hope it can reach an amicable conclusion," said Leinster chairman Séamus Howlin.

Meanwhile, the national CCCC are expected to examine two particular disciplinary flashpoints arising out of the weekend's championship fixtures. Television replays appear to indict Meath footballer Kevin Reilly, for a challenge on Wexford's Colm Morris, and Derry's Fergal Doherty, for a tackle on Donegal's Rory Kavanagh.

Doherty's challenge on Kavanagh could be interpreted as striking but the referee opted against any sanction of the player at the time.

In Reilly's case he received a yellow card from Maurice Deegan so the referee would have to upgrade this sanction in his report.

The appointment of Deegan was criticised by Meath manager Colm Coyle, who inferred that as Laois faced the winners, a Laois referee would be biased towards Wexford.

Coyle stated: "But I just wonder at the wisdom of the so-called CCCC appointing a Laois referee for the game. And the winners of the game playing them. I would question that one."