Armagh’s Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup victory over Down on Wednesday night has been overturned, with the game now awarded to Down following a breach of competition regulations.
Ulster GAA confirmed the decision on Friday afternoon after a meeting of the Ulster Competitions Control Committee (CCC), which reviewed reported breaches of the GAA’s Pre-Season 3rd Level Policy & Regulations.
In a statement, Ulster GAA said: “Following a meeting of Ulster CCC, reported breaches of Pre Season 3rd Level Policy & Regulations were reviewed, and the following decisions taken in relation to the fielding of ineligible players: The Fermanagh v Cavan game is null and void and no team is awarded the points. The Armagh v Down game is awarded to Down.”
The governing body added that updated group tables and fixture information are available on the Ulster GAA website. It leaves Armagh bottom of their three-team group. Down and Tyrone meet on Sunday for a place in the semi-final. Armagh’s already slim chances have been extinguished.
The regulations in question are designed to manage player welfare during the busy January period and to avoid clashes between inter-county pre-season competitions and third-level championship games, such as the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups.
While the exact details of the breach remains unclear, under the rules, players named on a county’s 35-man inter-county championship list, which must be submitted by December 1, are prohibited from playing in midweek pre-season fixtures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
In addition, a minimum 48-hour window must exist before or after a third-level championship match for a player to be eligible to line out for their county.
The policy prioritises college competitions during this period, with significant penalties in place for breaches, including the forfeiture of games and potential expulsion from pre-season competitions.
As a result of Ulster CCC’s ruling, Down are now awarded the points from Wednesday night’s encounter, altering the McKenna Cup group standings.
