The GAA have made their verdict on the All-Ireland senior club football final saga. On Tuesday morning, Marty Morrissey and Joe Brolly both announced separately the news that a replay has been ordered, ahead of an expected official announcement from the GAA at lunchtime.
An appeal was launched by the losing side, Watty Graham's (Glen), after the GAA failed to take decisive action on a controversial incident at the end of the game.
Now, it seems as though a replay is on the horizon - though a date and venue are hitherto unknown, and a potential follow-up appeal from Kilmacud Crokes is yet to come.
GAA: Decision made in club final replay saga
The closing moments of the final on January 22 saw Kilmacud Crokes defending a nervy two-point lead as the clock ticked through additional time. Glen made one last burst for the Crokes goal, before a thrilling defensive effort kept the Derry club out, and won the day for Crokes.
Having lost last year's final in the last play of the game, Crokes were overjoyed with their win and celebrated with the cup on the pitch at full-time - however, video footage soon emerged which clearly showed that they had 16 players on the pitch for the crucial final play.
Certain reports have suggested that the number may even have been 17, but there was no doubt that at least 16 Crokes players defended the final Glen attack.
The seemingly inadvertent rule breach from Crokes has also led to questions asked of the match officials, as to how such a scenario was allowed to transpire. The GAA failed to act decisively in addressing the "16th man" controversy, leading to Glen lodging an appeal against the result. Crokes countered Glen's appeal, with the GAA deliberating over the past few days.
Appearing on Today with Claire Byrne on Tuesday morning, RTÉ GAA presenter Marty Morrissey was the first to reveal that a replay had been ordered between Glen and Kilmacud Crokes, saying:
The decision is a replay of the All Ireland football final. Not officially announced yet but certainly I believe very strongly that this is the decision made by the CCCC.
If that is the case the replay will be announced officially very shortly.
Morrissey went on to say that Crokes would now have three days to appeal the decision to the CCCC.
Ex-Derry intercounty player and football pundit Joe Brolly was also hot on the buzzer, confirming the decision via Twitter earlier on Tuesday.
Replay ordered. The only honourable course. Both groups have plenty of time to adjust, get back training and fight it out for glory. May the best 15 win.
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) January 31, 2023
The GAA were criticised by many for their indecisive response to the club final response, with Lee Keegan among those who said the organisation showed a "lack of leadership" in the aftermath of the final whistle.
The news would be confirmed via the GAA communications department in a dispatch sent midafternoon Tuesday.
Following meetings of CCCC last night and this morning, the objection of CLG Gleann Machaire Ratha as per Riail 7.10 (n) T.O. has been upheld as it is proven that CLG Cill Mochuda na Crócaigh exceeded the number of players permitted under Riail 2.1 Rules of Specification, Playing Rules (Treoir Oifigiúil Cuid II).
In accordance with Riail 6.44 (b) (i) T.O. Cuid I, the penalty imposed by An Coiste is “Replay of Game”.
A three-day window, from the time of notification, exists to request an Appeal.
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