THE Ulster Colleges' Council will meet next Monday in Armagh to decide what action to take, following the violence that occurred in Monday's McRory Cup final between St Patrick's, Maghera and St Mary's, Magherafelt.
Bro Laurence Ennis, the chairman of the Ulster Colleges' Council, said yesterday that for the first time video evidence was likely to be admitted to the council's deliberations. "I imagine we would be using television evidence on this occasion," he said.
The incidents, which were seen by the 6,000 who were present in Coalisland plus a television audience, erupted towards the end of what had been a stormy match between All-Ireland champions Maghera and their Derry neighbours.
St Mary's full forward Kevin Madden was sent off with a couple of minutes remaining after aiming a kick at an opponent. After his dismissal he was seen to strike another player. When the match was over, further incidents broke out with substitutes getting involved.
The post-match fracas appeared to be triggered by a punch thrown by a Maghera substitute at an opposing player. Battle was then joined by both substitutes and supporters from both sides.
St Patrick's will be particularly anxious about the findings of the council as they are scheduled to play an All-Ireland semi-final against the Leinster champions, Good Counsel of New Ross, within the next month.
Bro Ennis said they were awaiting the report of match referee Pat McEnaney, who also took charge of the All-Ireland club football final on St Patrick's Day.
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