Down's former All-Ireland winning star James McCartan will avoid a conviction for striking an opponent if he pays €10,000 to charity.
McCartan was convicted of assault earlier this month at Dublin District Court after he pleaded not guilty to deliberately punching Westmeath player Kenny Larkin during a challenge match in May, 2003.
Larkin's jaw was broken as a result of the incident in Newcastle, Co Dublin and he subsequently had to undergo surgergy.
During today's sentencing hearing, Judge William Earley said if the donation and expenses are paid by January 10 he will dismiss the charge of assault under the Probation of Offenders Act.
Judge Earley heard testimonials from Senator Maurice Hayes and former SDLP Minister Bríd Rogers.
Defence barrister Michael O'Higgins argued that McCartan, who won All-Ireland titles with the Mourne men in 1991 and 1994, had been an exemplary citizen without any previous convictions. He added that the 33-year-old was also considered a role model for youngsters and had never received a red card either at GAA club or county level.
O'Higgins also pointed out that the assault arose out of a strident degree of irritation on McCartan's part. McCartan had claimed he was being consistently fouled by Larkin during the game.
Larkin said he will not be pursuing a civil action.
The GAA did not punish McCartan after the association's Management Committee stopped the Games Administration Committee from pursuing the matter any further on a technicality. An initial GAC inquiry had failed to make a ruling in the case.
McCartan opted out of last year's Down senior panel and now manages Queen's University, Belfast.
