Cahill set to be hit with two game side-line ban

By Shane Brophy

Tipperary senior hurling manager Liam Cahill could have no involvement with his team on match-day for their next two games if his red card in Sunday’s dramatic Munster Championship draw with Limerick is upheld.

Cahill was issued with the red card by referee Sean Stack in added time of the game at FBD Semple Stadium after the Tipperary manager argued the incorrect awarding of a line-ball to Limerick at a crucial stage of the game.

Tipperary officials received a copy of the referee’s report on Tuesday afternoon and are reviewing it and have 48 hours in which to decide whether to appea the proposed four week suspension.

If the red card is upheld, and because of a new rule passed at GAA Congress last February, Cahill will not be allowed with the team at any stage on game-day for their final Munster Senior Hurling Championship round game against Waterford in Thurles next Sunday, and possibly a Munster Final against Clare, should they progress to it.

GAA Rule 7.5 (a) (6) (b) states: “In the case of a team official, from acting in any capacity at a game(s) in a specified competition, including extra-time when played. This involves the team official concerned being debarred from the Pitch Enclosure before and during the game and from managing, directing, assisting, or communicating with their team in any way before or during the game.”

The four-week ban would also include a provincial final on June 11th which would be a double-whammy on Liam Cahill, but he would be available for games after that.

If the Tipp manager is prevented from being on the side-line against Waterford, it would take the heat out of him coming up against his former charges who cannot make it out of the round-robin phase after losing their three games, but they could play a major part in who does.

Tipperary’s fate of progressing to the All-Ireland Series is in their own hands. A win will see them into the Munster Final while a draw would see them finish in the top 3, and might be enough to reach a provincial final, depending on the outcome of the other game between Limerick and Cork which throws in simultaneously at 4.00pm at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

The only scenario where Tipperary would exit the championship on Sunday would be a five point or more loss to Waterford, coupled with Limerick and Cork ending in a draw, which would mean Tipperary would exit on score difference. And such has been the drama in the Munster Championship so far, one more twist in the tale cannot be ruled out so Tipperary cannot take anything for granted on Sunday and try and take care of their business themselves.

They might also have to face into the Waterford game without Cathal Barrett if he sustained a confirmed concussion which saw him removed from the field on the hour mark against Limerick.

According to the GAA’s own concussion guidelines, adult players suspected of having a concussion, must have adequate rest of at least 24 – 48 hours and then follow a gradual return to play (GRTP) protocol. Players must receive written medical clearance (from a doctor) and present to the person in charge of the team before returning to full contact training. Adult players should not return to full contact training/matches for at least one week from when the injury has first been diagnosed.