This is the year of the GAA Ban: first, the 48-weeks doled out to Matthew Fitzpatrick (later rescinded), then Brendan O'Sullivan, and now the 12 weeks given to Diarmuid Connolly. Suspensions are the hot topic keeping us talking through these long summer midweeks, bereft as they are of live sport.
Naturally, the Connolly decision cut ice on Off the Ball tonight, but it naturally led to an avalanche of comments from listeners. One came from Robert Cox, who texted in to say that he got a 48-week ban for kicking a ball at a referee, and missing.
He then rang up to give the full story:
Roughly 2008, 2009 - I can't remember the exact year - Junior B Championship in Meath, Blackhall Gaels against St Paul's. Just frustrated at a decision. So outside of the left foot, curled the ball at the referee. Missed him by about 20 feet. He called me over for a chat. I can't remember the ref's name which is probably a good thing.
I explained to him that he was a little overweight at the time, so shouldn't be reffing.
He was about 30 metres [away from me]. I was [trying to hit him with the ball]. There was blatant intent, and I was confident in my own ability. But I miscued that one, unfortunately. Oh it was obvious, so he copped that. The little bit of abuse used at the end was probably the final nail in the coffin.
Cox didn't appeal the ban: in fact, his club wished to extend it as they believed he had brought them into disrepute.
Later in life he bumped into said referee, who apologised for including the "overweight" jibe in his referee's report.
[Newstalk]
See Also: Explaining The Plans To Radically Change The Hurling Championships
See Also: Joe Brolly Highlights The "Shroud Of Suspicion" Around Connolly's Ban
