Errigal appeal leaves League in limbo

AN appeal lodged by Errigal Ciaran over a contested league result against Dungannon could have significant repercussions in the race for the ACL Division One title.

Errigal Ciaran claimed that Castlederg referee Brian McCallion erred in awarding the game, which was played on November 7, to Dungannon (the final scoreline registered by McCallion was 2-14 to 2-13 in the Clarkes favour, but Errigal insisted they actually won the game).

It is understood that Errigal Ciaran are set to receive a hearing from the Ulster GAA’s Hearings Committee ahead of this weekend’s final round of matches after their initial appeal was quashed by Tyrone CCC.

By a twist of fate, they’re scheduled to play Carrickmore this Sunday in their last fixture of the season, and if their appeal is successful, the game could effectively become a winner-takes-all league decider.

As things stand, Ryan Daly and Noel Hurson’s Carrickmore team are four points ahead at the top of the table, so in normal circumstances would already have won the Division One trophy ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Errigal are four points in arrears, but if the Dungannon result is overturned, they’ll be only two points behind heading into their clash with Carrickmore and would therefore clinch the title on the head-to-head rule should they defeat Carmen.

Alternatively, there have been suggestions that their game with Dungannon may have to be replayed.

Elsewhere in Division One there’s set to be an exciting climax at the foot of the table. Edendork and Pomeroy have already been relegated, and two of Galbally, Eglish and Derrylaughan will also fall through the relegation trapdoor depending on how their final round of games pan out. The Kevin Barrys have their fate in their own hands and will definitely stay up should they beat Donaghmore at home

In Division Two, Aghyaran will take the league title if they manage to get over the line against Killeeshil, while Greencastle must win their match against Kildress and hope that Killeeshil do them a favour.

At the bottom of the table in Division Two, there’s a lot at stake in the final round. Strabane and Augher have already been relegated, but there are a raft of other teams in danger of slipping through to the Junior ranks.

Beragh Red Knights, however, aren’t one of them after their fine win over Owen Roes last weekend, while Moortown will advance to the
senior ranks after claiming the Intermediate Championship, despite having had an indifferent league campaign.

Matters in Division Three have already been settled, with Eskra securing promotion via the league and Cookstown bouncing back to the Intermediate ranks with their championship title win.