The IRFU has confirmed that as a result of allegations of an incident that occured after last weeks game against England, reserve hooker Frank Sheahan has been severely reprimanded, fined £2500 and warned as to his future conduct. A statement from the IRFU confirmed that Mr Sheahan personally apologised to the other party involved and the apology was graciously accepted. IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said, "The Union does not condone such misconduct by players and greatly regrets the involvement of one of it's contracted players in this incident."
Computer technician Terry Gormley, 32, from Dublin, said he suffered a black eye in the attack after he and his friends criticised members of the Irish squad for their poor performance. The attack is said to have taken place at Jury's Hotel in Kensington early on Sunday morning following the game at Twickenham. Police in London have said that they are also investigating the matter after receiving a complaint about an assault.
Sheahan, who plays for Cork Constitution, said, "I greatly regret my involvement in this incident and I have apologised personally to Mr Gormley. I also regret the embarrassment this has caused Irish rugby." The forward is uncapped and was on the bench against England. He keeps his place in the squad for Ireland's Six Nations Championship clash with Scotland at Lansdowne Road next week.
Meanwhile, the Senior squad for the game against Scotland is notable for the exclusion of Conor O'Shea, Dion O'Cuinneagain and Tom Tierney. Former captain O'Cuinneagain and scrum-half Tierney are both named in the squad for the 'A' game unlike O'Shea. Capped 35 times for Ireland O'Shea's recent performances at International level have been sub-standard by his own high expectations and a large question mark must surely hang over his future at this level. It's not surprising that Warren Gatland has finally lost patience with some of his more established players after the 32 point defeat by England. Of the team who started that game only 11 survive in the 25 strong panel.
Girvan Dempsey, who went on for O'Shea during the Twickenham debacle, is the only specialist full-back chosen. British Lion Eric Miller is recalled, while Llanelli's in-form flanker Simon Easterby also increases Gatland's back-row options. Easterby is joined in the senior squad by his brother Guy who replaces Tom Tierney. With Tierney out, Shannon's Peter Stringer can realistically expect promotion, with Easterby serving as scrum-half understudy. Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan and John Hayes are the other additions.
Robert Casey wasn't considered because of injury, while fly-half Ronan O'Gara and lock Jeremy Davidson are back in contention following fitness problems that ended their Twickenham hopes.
