Antrim SFC semi-finals confirmed as Creggan 'extra man' appeal is rejected
The Antrim SFC semi-finals are likely to proceed as scheduled next weekend after the Antrim CCC rejected an appeal from Creggan regarding their quarter-final loss to Lámh Dhearg.
The Hannahstown outfit won the game 0-15 to 0-13 after extra-time and only took the lead in extra-time, but the game was overshadowed by a '16th man' controversy.
The basis for Creggan’s appeal was a passage of play which led to a free that Paddy Cunningham converted in the second half.
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Lámh Dhearg were bringing in Mark Lowe eight minutes into the second half and it appeared as through Michael Herron was the player to make way.
However, he remained on the pitch near the far sideline while the kickout was taken. Terry McCrudden eventually made his way to the sideline as the intended substitute Lámh Dhearg scored from a free awarded moments later.
They went on to level the contest at 0-10 and edged out Creggan by two points in extra-time.
The Kickhams appealed and their case was heard on Saturday. However, it is understood that Lámh Dhearg used their own video footage of the game to show that Herron was on the sideline and, therefore, not actively involved in play at time of the kickout.
Lámh Dhearg are due to face Portglenone at Toome next Saturday (4pm) while defending champions Cargin face League champions St Brigid’s at Dunsilly on Sunday (4pm).
Creggan do still have the option of taking an appeal to the Ulster Council which could still jeopardise the semi-finals, but it remains to be seen if they’ll take their case any further.
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