KILMACUD CROKES HAVE been formally awarded the All-Ireland senior club football title by the GAA.
In the aftermath of the prolonged controversy which followed their victory over Glen at Croke Park last month, which saw 16 Crokes players on the pitch during the closing stages, a statement from the association’s Central Competition Controls Committee (CCCC) confirmed that the matter was now closed after weeks of appeal and counter appeal.
“Representatives of Kilmacud Crokes and the C.C.C.C met today to consider the implications of the decision on Friday of Watty Graham’s Glen to withdraw from the process initiated around the 2023 AIB All-Ireland Club Football Final.
“The C.C.C.C, arising from an objection on behalf of Watty Graham’s Glen, had ordered a replay of the game on the basis that in excess of the number of players permitted were on the field for the last play of the game.
“The C.C.C.C Decision – communicated to the two Clubs on Tuesday of last week – had made it clear that this was not a deliberate action and that no fault was attributed to Kilmacud Crokes for the situation they found themselves in,” a statement released on the GAA website continued.
“Upon a request from the C.C.C.C., Kilmacud Crokes, in the interests of fully resolving the matter, today agreed to withdraw their Appeal to the Central Appeals Committee.
“A subsequent meeting of the C.C.C.C has formally awarded the 2023 All Ireland Club Championship to Kilmacud Crokes.”
Welcoming the decision, the Dublin club added: “[It] brings to an end what has been a very difficult two weeks for both Watty Graham’s GAC, The Glen and our own Kilmacud Crokes.
“The teams, management and the family and friends of all GAA clubs know the sacrifice, physical endurance and mental strength that is required to reach an All-Ireland senior club football final and we congratulate both clubs on their achievement.
“We would like to thank our players, the management team, volunteers and our wider membership community for their ongoing support and commitment.
“Our club will continue to move forward focused on our passion to promote the enjoyment of Gaelic games within our community in an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment for all ages and all levels.”
Originally published at 13.19
