St Eunan’s choose not to appeal championship defeat to Termon

By Michael McMullan

ST Eunan’s will not be lodging an appeal following their championship exit at the hands of Termon.

The reigning champions were knocked out by league champions Termon after extra-time in Saturday’s preliminary quarter final.

St Eunan’s trailed at half-time before getting themselves into a winning position only for a late Termon point forcing extra-time.

Leading by a point, at the end of extra-time, Termon substitute Enda McCormick fisted over with his first touch.

The pass leading to the score was kicked while Termon had 16 players on the pitch.

John James Sweeney, the player McCormick was on to replace, was making his way off the field, through the scoring area in the proximity.

McCormick’s crucial score put Termon two in front before St Eunan’s pegged one back through Shane O’Donnell in a one-point defeat.

Termon are down to play Naomh Conaill in this weekend’s quarter-finals.

Donegal SFC quarter-finals

MacCumhaills v St Michael’s
Saturday, O’Donnell Park, 4pm

Kilcar v Gaoth Dobhair
Saturday, Davy Brennan Memorial Park, 7.30pm

Naomh Conaill v Termon
Sunday, O’Donnell Park, 3pm

Four Masters v Dungloe
Sunday, Fr Tierney Park, 4.30pm

St Eunan’s statement

“Following a meeting of the Executive Committee this afternoon, St Eunan’s GAA can confirm that we will not be appealing the outcome of last weekend’s championship fixture against Termon.”

“The club believes it has a strong case under the rules, given that the winning score resulted directly from a 16th player, while the player being replaced was directly involved in engaging our defenders at the time. St Eunan’s players consulted the match referee at the time and asked him to consult with the linesmen and fourth official which he declined to do.

“On this basis, had an appeal been lodged, we are confident that a replay would likely have been granted.

“However, St Eunan’s is equally mindful of the principles of sporting integrity and the fact that the incident was not the result of any deliberate act on Termon’s behalf. Our disappointment lies with how the situation was handled by the match officials. The game should not have been allowed to restart until the Termon player being substituted had fully exited the field of play. It was not Termon’s fault, nor was it ours, and we strongly believe that standards of communication and officiating must improve to prevent such incidents in future.

“Ultimately, while we remain convinced that our case had merit, the Executive Committee has decided that pursuing the matter through appeal is not in the best interests of the competition. An appeal would cause disruption to the championship and risk undermining its integrity.

“For these reasons, St Eunan’s will not be taking the matter further and wish Termon the very best in the remainder of the championship.”