Shannon granted appeal extension

SHANNON RFC have been granted an extension on their appeal against a massive €25,000 fine imposed on the club after members were found to have verbally abused referee George Clancy following a recent All-Ireland League Division 1A game.
Shannon RFC had originally been given 14 days to lodge an appeal against the fine, but the IRFU have granted the club an extension until January 14 as a result of the period co-inciding with the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
On top of the hefty fine, Shannon were also hit with a suspended six-point deduction by the IRFU arising out of the incidents at Coonagh on December 5.
The €25,000 fine is to be paid to the IRFU Charitable Trust on or before March 31, 2010.
The fine and suspended points deduction relates to incidents following a controversial finish to Shannon’s All-Ireland League Division 1A clash with Cork Constitution at the start of the month.
Holders Shannon had been ahead in the game late on, but the awarding of a free-kick and a penalty to Cork Con’ in injury time angered Shannon supporters.
When Cork Con’ landed the penalty kick to win the game by a single point, 9-8, a number of Shannon supporters vented their anger at referee Clancy.
While the Limerick club did expect some form of sanction arising out of the verbal abuse suffered by the match official, they were left reeling by its severity.
While the fine of €25,000 was imposed the IRFU opted to suspend the six-point deduction as that was seen as a punishment for the players who were not at fault. The six-point deduction will come in effect if Shannon find themselves in hot water with match officials later in the season.
The Shannon PRO said the club was exploring all options with regard to an appeal.
“We will reconvene an executive meeting very early next week when all officers have returned from the Christmas break,” explained PRO Andrew McNamara.
Andrew McNamara said the club ‘have not or do not condone any form of abuse of referees.’ While they were expecting some form of sanction, they were lodging their appeal on the grounds of the severity of the fine imposed.

Colm Kinsella