Roger Casements Portglenone have confirmed they will not be appealing the result of last Sunday's Antrim SFC semi-final against St Mary's Aghagallon which they lost by 1-18 to 1-19 after two phases of extra-time.
Despite competition rules stating that a penalty shootout should follow only one period of extra-time, Portglenone have sportingly decided not to pursue the matter, meaning Aghagallon can prepare for the county final against Creggan without any distraction.
A statement from Portglenone last night read: “Following our semi-final match against St Mary’s Aghagallon on Sunday 31st October, Roger Casements Portglenone sought clarification from Antrim CCC regarding the “finish on the day” protocol applied during this game.
“The committee of the club met to discuss the response provided by Antrim CCC. This response, in our opinion, confirmed that the game was not completed in accordance with the ratified 2021 Championship regulations and also acknowledged that Antrim clubs had been “inadvertently issued the incorrect document”.
“This had led to much confusion and uncertainty both during and after completion of the game for both players and match day officials. The club remains of the opinion that there was a serious breach of rule and an appeal to Ulster Council would have been successful.
“However, the club has decided not to pursue an appeal process and wish to make it clear that at no stage had an appeal been submitted, despite contradictory reports.
“Our club prides itself on integrity, fair play and sportsmanship and we wish both Kickham’s Creggan and St Mary’s Aghagallon the best of luck for the final.”
Antrim GAA chairman Ciarán Mc Cavana has praised Roger Casements for taking what he described as "a dignified and honourable course of action".
Statement from Roger Casements Portglenone pic.twitter.com/zmCNW5wXyK
— Roger Casements GAC (@casementsgac) November 1, 2021
TweetStatement on behalf of Antrim GAA Chairman Ciarán Mc Cavana in relation to the SFC semi-final between Portglenone and Aghagallon. pic.twitter.com/yuWOx08rrU
— Antrim GAA (@AontroimGAA) November 1, 2021