Meath Juvenile Football plunged into controversy when it appears Meath Feile representatives Dunshaughlin refused to play extra time in the U-14 Division 1 Shield Final played in Skryne on 6th July. Meath Juvenile Board are set to review the matter. This along with complaints at a recent County Board meeting when it was alleged that losing teams were refusing to join in when presentations where being made at a number of Juvenile Finals played in 2014 is causing concern in the County.
Dunshaughlin played in the National Feile last weekend having won the U-14 Spring League competition earlier this year and while Croke Park GAA authorities are considering a different approach to gaining entry to Feile as it has been suggested that no competition should be ran to decide who goes to Feile. Rather the Clubs attending be on an invite only basis with as the emphasis on "win at all costs" has it is felt by GAA brought too much competiveness.
This U-14 Shield competition is one of the many competitions in Meath appears to be a new departure in Meath Juvenile GAA in recent years as before this competition was ran on a knock out basis with the winners crowned as Meath U-14 Championship winners. Defeated 1st round teams are given a "back door" to play in a Shield competition which was also a knock out competition in what was the 2nd completion on the U-14 Football calendar before the Fair Play U-14 Summer League later in the year.
This year it appears on the Meath GAA website that the Cup competition was also ran on a League basis and with both Shield Finalists Dunshaughlin and Walterstown winning 1 game out of 4, both then winning a Quarter Final and a Semi Final to qualify to meet in the Shield Final.
It appears that the Trophy was presented by a County Board Official to a puzzled Walterstown squad while the Dunshaughlin players also looking a little confused trooped off the field. It seems that Dunshaughlin refused to play extra time while Walterstown would not agree to a replay. The result appears on the Meath GAA Website as a walkover for Walterstown.
It is expected that Meath Coiste na nOg disciplinary committee with discuss the matter but for the time been the Trophy remains in the possession of the Walterstown club.
Very interesting, wasn't aware of that. Do you know if extra time had been planned for or was it the usual of making it up as things go and then someone obviously go their knickers in a twist?