Updated: 15.45
When it comes to decision making, the gears of the GAA move slowly.
On Saturday evening, it appeared Meath had beaten Antrim to win the Christy Ring Cup. After all, captain James Toher had walked to steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the trophy for hurling's second tier competition.
Hours later, word would begin to creep out that there could be a problem with the result.
Meath had - we thought - won the game by a point on a scoreline of 2-18 to 1-20. Actually, it should have been a draw 2-17 to 1-20. Referee John O'Brien had made an error in the recording of the score.
Given that it was a Bank Holiday weekend, it took until today for the CCCC to meet.
According to journalist Declan Bogue, the committee has decided that the match should be replayed.
And we have a replay @AontroimGAA and @MeathGAA Bring your own blackboard to keep the score this time.
— Declan Bogue (@DeclanBogue) June 7, 2016
The GAA have released a statement confirming that a replay will take place on Saturday June 11th in Pairc Esler, Newry with the throw-in to be at 7 pm.
At a scheduled CCCC meeting this morning the issue of last weekend’s Christy
Ring Cup final was discussed.
Following consideration of the referee’s report, it has been confirmed that the final
score of the game was recorded incorrectly and that the game did finish in a draw
(Antrim 1-20, Meath 2-17).
The final will now be replayed on Saturday next, June 11th at 7pm in Páirc Esler,
Newry.
Whether that game happens or not will be another matter. Given that Saturday was highly likely to be the conclusion of their inter-county season, players from both sides had holidays scheduled.
Speaking on RTÉ's Jones' Road Podcast, Meath selector Mickey McCullough spoke about players' plans.
I know Antrim players are going on holidays this week, are off to America; I know Meath have players heading to America-sure it wouldn’t even be the same two teams playing.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
