All-Ireland final saga ends after Glen issue latest statement

THERE will be no replay of the 2023 All-Ireland Club final after Glen’s decision not to pursue their objection any further over the concluding stages of their 1-11 to 1-9 defeat at the hands of Kilmacud Crokes.

In a statement, released to Gaelic Life, the club outlined their decision as follows:

“Watty Graham’s GAC, Glen lodged an objection to the result of the All-Ireland club final because we believed that grounds existed for a replay to be held if Rule 6.44 had been broken.

“Due to the ongoing proceedings we as a club now do not believe the conditions exist for a replay to be contested.

“Consequently, Watty Graham’s, Glen would like to withdraw from this process.

“As a club, the sense of pride and respect we have for our team and management will endure. They have treated us to countless moments of joy, which until recently, we didn’t even know were possible.

“Watty Graham’s GAC would like to thank our members for all the support they have given to our players, management and committee.

“The club would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the messages of help and support we have received from throughout the country.”

“We will go again. Onwards and upwards.”

An Gleann Abu!

The on-going saga began after the Crokes had 17 players on the pitch as Danny Tallon stood over a 45 as Glen rolled the dice on their last chance to grab a game-saving goal.

When the ball ended up going wide after Conleth McGuckian’s snapshot, referee Derek O’Mahony blew the final whistle on goalkeeper Connlan Bradley’s kick-out.

Malachy O’Rourke pointed out, in his post-game interview, that Glen informed officials of the situation.

“We did ask the fourth official to get the free (45) retaken but it didn’t happen,” he said.

When asked if an objection was something to be pursued, the Glen manager gave the following response.

“I can’t speak for the club or anything else. But I don’t think that’s the way the club operates. We had our chances; we gave it our best shot.

“That shouldn’t happen but at the same time I can’t speak for the club but I just think we’ll accept that we got beat on the day,” he added, just minutes after the game.

Glen were informed by the GAA that no review of the matter would begin with an objection from the club.

It’s understood there was no mention of additional players in referee Derek O’Mahoney’s report.

“This is extremely disappointing for our club to be placed in this position and we must now take a short period of time to ascertain our stance going forward,” outlined a club statement on Monday (January 23), the day after the game.

Glen lodged their objection at 11pm following night with Kilmacud lodging a counter appeal on Friday, January.

Both clubs attended a meeting in Croke Park on Monday (January 30). After deliberation, the CCCC ordered a replay following morning with Kilmacud following up with an appeal to the Central Appeals Committee on Friday.

Glen’s decision not to pursue their objection brings the saga to a conclusion. Trio Conor Glass, Derry’s new captain, Ethan Doherty and Conleth McGuckian will all be part of Oakleafers’ panel for Sunday’s NFL Round Two clash in Ardee,