Central Appeals Committee: The first decision by the newly formed Central Appeals Committee (CAC) is expected at lunchtime today after they reviewed the 12-week suspension of Monaghan forward Rory Woods last night.
Woods was suspended after an incident in the National Football League Division Two semi-finals against Derry on April 24th when he was shown a straight red card. The final act of the old Games Administration Committee was to impose the ban for kicking.
Monaghan manager Séamus McEneaney and county secretary John Scully, who were both present with the player last night in Croke Park, felt the need to go to appeal as they claimed video evidence was not taken into account in making a final decision. The report of Tyrone referee Michael Hughes, who spoke to a linesman at the time before sending Woods off, was the main evidence considered.
"Our case to the CAC is that the old body misapplied the rule by not hearing the case correctly," stated Scully. "There is evidence on the video that clearly shows Rory did not kick the Derry player, but it wasn't used. I thought we had a reasonably good case but the GAC only went to the referee for clarification. We would be concerned that as it was the last case, it didn't get the attention it deserved," continued Scully. "What's the point in having video evidence if it is not going to be used?"
The current suspension ruled Woods out of Monaghan's first league title in 20 years and also sees him miss the championship unless they progress to the latter All-Ireland stages. It leaves Monaghan lacking in resources ahead of the Ulster championship opener against Derry on June 5th, as McEneaney must already plan without James Ward and forward Hugh McElroy who picked up injuries in recent club fixtures. Woods is also banned from playing for his club Donaghmoyne.
Another new ruling from Congress came into force last night as no member of a county involved can sit on a disciplinary committee. Considering former GAA President Seán McCague, now chairman of the CAC, and another member, Martin McAviney, current Ulster PRO, are from Monaghan, incoming GAA president Nickey Brennan chaired the meeting in McCague's absence.
