The Ulster minor club football championship has ground to a halt following an objection by Cavan Gaels over a Ballinderry player being too young to play in the competition. The Gaels have objected to the eligibility of 14-year-old Ryan Bell, who was used as a substitute and featured prominently in their 1-9 to 1-11 preliminary round defeat to the Derry champions on December 6. Rule 134 of the Official Guide of the Association states that a player must be over the age of 14 on January 1 and under 18 years to play in the minor grade of that year. Bell does not turn 15 until New Year's Day, the day the final of the competition is scheduled for. A profile of each of the players, along with the date of birth, appeared in the match programme. The official guide states a play can be hit with a two-week suspension for playing underage, though any such move would be unpopular. The objection will be heard by the Ulster Council next Tuesday. Ballinderry were due to play Tyrone champions Ardboe in the quarter-finals on Saturday, but that game has been postponed is provisionally refixed for Sunday, December 21 at 12 noon. Ardboe had requested a postponement of the game as their star player Kyle Coney is not due back from Australia until Thursday, but it is doubtful whether that request would have been granted. Tweet

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