Forde ponders future as CAC uphold ban
Wexford footballer Matty Forde has failed to have his three-month suspension overturned by the GAA's Central Appeals Committee (CAC).
The Kilanerin forward took his case to the CAC last night, claiming that the incident in the Leinster semi-final against Offaly, which saw him stepping on the head of prone defender Shane Sullivan, was "not intentional".
Forde was officially banned on July 15 - the day that Wexford were sent packing from the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers by Fermanagh.
Wexford's only All-Star was hoping to clear his name just as Cork defender Anthony Lynch had done. The CAC upheld the Corkman's appeal against a one-month ban after video evidence showed that his elbow had not connected with Kerry midfielder Kieran Donaghy's face in the drawn Munster final.
The way now seems set for Forde to make the switch to soccer and join struggling eircom League First Division side Kilkenny City for the rest of the season.
Kilkenny boss Adrian Fitzpatrick met with Forde last week and could be about to lure him into a change of codes.
The 27-year-old played a couple of games for Gorey Rangers eight seasons ago, operating as a striker. In previous years, the versatile sportsman also turned his hand to rugby, lining out for local club Gorey RFC in the Leinster League.
