SHANNON RFC are still investigating their legal options despite having an appeal against the €25,000 fine for verbal abuse of referee George Clancy after the All-Ireland League match against Cork Constitution on December 5th, 2009, dismissed by the IRFU.
The club have claimed difficulties with payment to the IRFU charitable trust by the March 31st deadline. They have just completed a €450,000 development on their Coonagh grounds, €100,000 of which remains outstanding.
“We are looking at the legal process using independent experts with no affiliation to the club,” explained Shannon PRO Andrew McNamara. “We have not gone down the formal route but it is money that we don’t actually have so it would be remiss if we didn’t look at every avenue for our members’ sake.”
The club were represented at last month’s appeal by solicitor Pat Barriscale.
Clancy, an international referee who took charge of the Wales versus Scotland match in Cardiff last Saturday, stated in his report that former Ireland international, now Labour councillor, Gerry McLoughlin, and Shannon chairman Martin Clancy were among those who abused him.
The club were also deducted six league points, suspended on the grounds that no further acts of indiscipline occur before May 31st.
Subsequently, there were Garda and Munster Branch investigations into reports of an alleged assault that led to the under-15 match between Shannon and Bruff being abandoned last month. The Shannon coach is due to attend a Munster Branch disciplinary hearing tomorrow.
Meanwhile, ticket arrangements for the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final between Connacht and Bourgoin at the Sportsground on Saturday, April 10th, have been announced.
Connacht season ticket-holders can purchase up to five €25 tickets at a reduced rate of €20 each. Old age pensioners and student season ticket-holder rates are €15, with under-18 tickets €10 and family rates €50. Those attending the Glasgow game on March 5th and Dragons match on March 17th will also have access to these prices.
Wales were last night forced to rule Alun Wyn Jones out of t the remainder of the Six Nations Championship.
Jones will undergo an operation tomorrow on the elbow he injured in Saturday’s stunning victory over Scotland.
Weekend Fixtures
Friday
Magners League– Ulster v Dragons, Ravenhill, 7.05 (Live Setanta Ireland), Munster v Edinburgh, Musgrave Park, 8pm (Live Setanta Sports 1)
Saturday
Magners League– Leinster v Scarlets, RDS Showgrounds, 6.30 (Live Setanta Sports 1)
AIB All-Ireland League(all 2.30pm unless stated) –
Division One A: Clontarf v Cork Constitution, Castle Avenue; Dolphin v Garryowen, Musgrave Park; Shannon v Blackrock, Coonagh; St Mary's v UL Bohemians, Templeville Road.
Division One B– Ballymena v Young Munster, Eaton Park, A Rogan; Old Belvedere v Galwegians, Anglesea Road, J Lacey; UCC v Ballynahinch, The Mardyke, D Keane; Buccaneers v Dungannon, Dubarry Park, TBC.
Division Two:Bective Rangers v Terenure College, Donnybrook; Bruff v Corinthians, Killballyowen; Clonakilty v Old Crescent, The Vale; DLSP v UCD, Kirwan Park; Greystones v Lansdowne, Dr Hickey Park; Highfield v Dublin University, Woodleigh Park; Malone v Old Wesley, Gibson Park; Banbridge v Portadown, Rifle Park.
Division Three:Banbridge v Portadown, Rifle Park; Co Carlow v Sunday's Well, Oak Park; Instonians v Ards, Shaws Bridge; Midleton v Connemara, Towns Park; Naas v Wanderers, Forenaughts; Navan v Barnhall, Balreask Old; Nenagh Ormond v Suttonians, New Ormond Park; Queen's University v Rainey Old Boys, Dub Lane.
Sunday
Magners League:Ospreys v Connacht, Liberty Stadium, 5.0 (Live Setanta Ireland)
