GAA: Glen withdraw appeal to have All-Ireland club final replayed

Glen Watty Grahams have withdrawn from the process to have their All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship Final replayed.

Following their 1-11 to 1-9 defeat to Dublin's Kilmacud Crokes in Croke Park on January 22nd, it emerged that Crokes had 17 players on the field of play in stoppage time - as Glen lined up a '45.

While Paul Mannion was going off the field of play and wasn't involved in the action, the other player supposed to have been replaced - Dara Mullin - was stationed on the goal line as Glen flashed their last-gasp effort wide of the posts.

The Derry and Ulster champions were told by the GAA they had to lodge a protest, which they subsequently did. While Kilmacud lodged an objection, the GAA ruled on Tuesday that a replay would take place.

It emerged this afternoon (Friday) that Kilmacud had appealed that decision, which the GAA said would be heard by their Central Appeals committee 'in the coming days'.

That will now not happen after Glen released the following statement this evening.

"Watty Graham’s GAC, Glen lodged an objection to the result of the All-Ireland club final because we believed that grounds existed for a replay to be held if Rule 6.44 had been broken.

“Due to the ongoing proceedings we as a club now do not believe the conditions exist for a replay to be contested.

“Consequently, Watty Graham’s, Glen would like to withdraw from this process.

“As a club, the sense of pride and respect we have for our team and management will endure. They have treated us to countless moments of joy, which until recently, we didn’t even know were possible.

“Watty Graham’s GAC would like to thank our members for all the support they have given to our players, management and committee.

“The club would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the messages of help and support we have received from throughout the country.”

"We will go again.

"Onwards and upwards. An Gleann Abu!"