Violent scenes mar final in New York

The New York senior football championship has been plunged into controversy following violent scenes in Gaelic Park on Sunday.

A punch-up occurred minutes after Kerry were presented with the cup when Cavan refused to field a team for the decider. Cavan had sought a postponement due to the tragic death of club member Jonathan Moore (24), who was brought home from New York to his native Knockbride, Co Cavan, last week.

Two members of the senior football team travelled home with Jonathan's remains last Tuesday, while eight other senior players were scheduled to play for either Meath or Armagh in the junior final which preceded the senior decider.

Under New York's rules, some players can play junior and senior in the same season.

When the New York board fixed the senior final for Sunday, Cavan made it clear they would not be fielding. They wanted more time to regroup after the trauma of Moore's death.

Kerry were obliged to turn up for the throw-in, or face a possible suspension. After they scored a point, the game was abandoned because the non-existent Cavan team were unable to restart the match.

After Kerry received the cup, a punch-up ensued near the dressing-room. At least one officer of the New York board is understood to have received a blow in the fracas.

The hurling championship was also embroiled in controversy last week when Tipperary lodged an objection against Limerick - and Limerick counter-objected.