A Tipperary club hurler has become the first GAA player to be jailed for an incident which took place on the field of play after an assault left an opponent requiring reconstructive surgery on a bitten ear. The incident occurred during a Tipperary intermediate league match in June 2006 with the case being heard in Clonmel Circuit Count last month. A Fethard player was sentenced to 12-months imprisonment with the final nine months suspended, and the 30-year old married father of two is currently serving his sentence in Limerick Prison. An Eire Og player had part of his ear bitten off and the offender received a 96 week suspension from the GAA. The player claimed he acted in self defence after he was trapped on the ground but Judge Donagh McDonagh handed down a custodial sentence. GAA National Hurling Co-ordinator Paudi Butler acted as a character witness for the accused and told the Sunday Tribune that the verdict 'had sent shockwaves through the organisation'. Tweet

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