Just the two weeks later
The GAA are understood to be opening up an investigation into the circumstances of Davey Byrne’s broken nose, received in a challenge game almost two weeks ago against Armagh.
According to the Sun newspaper, the Central Competitions Control Committee are likely to speak to both Dublin manager Jim Gavin, and Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney, after an incident before throw-in left the Ballymun player needing a two-night stay in hospital after receiving several facial injuries.
According to reports the GAA have received video evidence of the incident, but that the footage does not actually show the flare up between any of the players.
The incident was not mentioned in referee Fergal Kelly’s match report, and so it appeared that the GAA would not be able to investigate, with both counties playing down the seriousness of what took place.
However GAA officials are understood to have been unhappy with the Dublin manager’s interview on last week’s Off the Ball in which he stated,
“Regrettably, an incident took place before a recent challenge game against Armagh.”
“It was disappointing because I think discipline would be a core philosophy of the management teams of both teams involved. Subsequent to that, both players have spoken and they regret what happened and both players are now concentrating on their inter-county careers.
“We spoke to both players and both players have had a chat in recent days together.”
It’s believed that Gavin’s admission that he knew the Armagh player involved has now allowed the possibility of a full investigation taking place, with the former All-Ireland winner expected to be a key part of any inquiry.
