IT Carlow thrown out of Fitzgibbon Cup
IT Carlow have been ousted from the Fitzgibbon Cup after fielding a part-time student James Gannon in their recent win over Maynooth University.
Gannon - who has also played Fitzgibbon Cup for UCD in the past - is studying a graduate course through Glanbia, but the Comhairle Ardoideachais (CA) Hearings committee have ruled this afternoon that the Ballyragget native is only studying a part-time course.
The news is a huge blow for the DJ Carey managed side, who were due to face Limerick IT in the quarter-finals of the competition this week.
Mary Immaculate College successfully argued to the Comhairle Ardoideachais (CA) Hearings Committee, that Business student Gannon was only doing a part-time course, which made him ineligible to play for the IT under CA bye-laws.
Gannon featured in defence for IT Carlow in their recent 9-24 to 1-3 victory over Maynooth University.
The group ultimately came down to scoring difference, with WIT finishing as group winners and IT Carlow in second spot, with Mary Immaculate College losing out on a knock-out place.
As a result of this afternoon’s ruling Mary I have been reinstated in the competition as the Group winners.
They now benefit from a home venue for their quarter-finals against DIT on Thursday next.
IT Carlow now have three days in which to appeal the ruling.
Today's ruling means that two of the Fitzgibbon Cup quarter-finals have been rescheduled for this Thursday.
Both games have 3pm starts in Limerick, where Limerick IT host Waterford IT and Mary Immaculate College will face DIT.
On Wednesday, Cork IT host NUIG at 2pm, while at 3pm UL welcome UCD.
