Austin Gleeson has described as 'a total accident' the incident which, for a few days, had Waterford fans worried that he might not be available for the All-Ireland hurling final against Galway.
Gleeson tugged Luke Meade's helmet from his head during the first half of the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork. As referee James Owens said he had dealt with it had the time, the CCCC was left powerless to investigate the incident further - something which reportedly left them unhappy.
Speaking on 2FM's Game On last night, Gleeson said he was thankful no disciplinary action was taken by the GAA.
It was a total accident, I suppose. We don't really want to dwell on it but it was a total accident. It was after the match that it came out that it could be in bother. But thankfully nothing came out of it and I'm looking forward to playing in the final.
Gleeson added that it was not until after the game that he realised what had happened.
It was more so after the game when I was informed what happened. When it happened I didn't really realise what was after happening. I just took it as it came. And thankfully, in the end, I got out of it.
There was nothing said at all afterwards. We were too busy celebrating getting into an All-Ireland final. We were just happy and ecstatic in the dressing room.
I'm just happy that I'm able to play on the 3rd of September in the All-Ireland final. That's the main thing for me.
There was some bad news for Waterford on the disciplinary front this morning: Conor Gleeson failed in his first attempt to be available for the All-Ireland decider. Gleeson was sent off late in the second half against Cork for striking an opponent. He will now take his case to the Central Appeals Committee.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
