The club at the centre of a media storm over injuries suffered by Sean Cavanagh in a club game last weekend have released a strong statement hitting out at a "trial by media".
A fraught clash between Cavanagh's club Moy and Edendork hit national headlines last Sunday when a photo emerged of Cavanagh's injuries. The Tyrone legend was knocked out cold in a collision in which he also suffered a broken nose, severe bruising and a concussion.
The game featured a total of 27 cards — 20 yellow, one black and six red - with both sides finishing the game with 12 players on the field.
In response to the fallout to the game, Edendork have issued a statement saying that they have been "deeply disappointed by the aspersions cast upon our players and club in respect of this incident", and that it is " is the opinion of the Club and individual player that this was an accidental and unfortunate collision and we hold any suggestion to the contrary as being defamatory".
Edendork St Malachy’s GAC would firstly like to take this opportunity to wish Sean Cavanagh a speedy recovery following a very unfortunate incident that occurred during Saturday’s Championship Match.
We as a club would like to advise that we have been deeply disappointed by the aspersions cast upon our players and club in respect of this incident. It is quite clear that a blind trial by media has occurred in relation to this matter, causing the individual player and the Club a great deal of vexation. It should be noted that this was a collision that occurred during the course of play and in plain view of the referee and match officials whilst the ball was in play. No sanction or disciplinary action ensued at that time.
Edendork GAC would like to state firmly that it is the opinion of the Club and individual player that this was an accidental and unfortunate collision and we hold any suggestion to the contrary as being defamatory.
The Club wishes to add that they are gravely disappointed by any media publication linking this incident to an overarching suggestion of an endemic problem of violence in Tyrone football.
The Club warns that the individual player and club are taking legal advice in respect of comments published on social media inferring and expressly stating that this was a deliberate act. The Club and individual player will meet any inferred or express statement with the robustness required to ensure that the Club and player’s reputations are protected.
The player involved states resolutely that this was not an intentional or malicious act but an accident. We as a Club support this position and ask that people take a few moments to think before casting any insult or contempt towards the individual player or the Club.
We hope this draws a line under what was a competitive encounter on Saturday against Moy GFC and emphasise that we hope to see Sean back playing for his club as soon as possible.
Cavanagh confirmed to the BBC this week that he is recovering from the incident. "My nose is sore. I still have heavy concussion but recovering. You are going to pick up knocks in sport. Saturday was no different. Thankfully the wounds are healing. Onwards and upwards".
