Two Glynn-Barntown under-age football players face lengthy bans as the result of an alleged assault on a leading referee.
Inter-County referee Sean Whelan was the victim of a vicious attack at the end of the Glynn-Barntown v St Anne's (Rathangan) Wexford Division 1 Minor Football Championship semi-final at Killurin on Sunday last.
Whelan had blown for full-time at the end of a close and exciting game which St Anne's won by the minimum, 1-9 to 2-5, when he was attacked by two Glynn-Barntown players receiving blows to the head which left him stunned and in a state of shock.
A member of an Garda Siochana, Whelan had apparently received several blows to the head, before officials from both club's intervened, bringing to an end an incident that brought shame to the two players involved, their club and the GAA in the county.
Speaking of his ordeal, Whelan said: 'On the final whistle of what was a close and sporting game, in which just four yellow cards were issued, I was set upon by two Glynn-Barntown players. It came totally out of the blue.
'I received several blows to the head, which left me stunned and shaken. It could have been far worse but for the intervention of officials from both club's who came to my assistance.
'Given that it was a county semi-final and a local derby involving two sides from the Wexford District, I ensured that I had my own four umpires with me.
‘I gave the game the importance it deserved. But the assault took me totally by surprise. This has no place in the GAA at any level.'
Whelan went on to say: 'I know the identity of both players. I cannot identify them to the media but they will be included in my match report. It's then up to the Under-Age County Board to decide on appropriate action.'
New Wexford Coiste na nOg Secretary, Marian Doyle, said they (Coiste Board) had spoken with the referee.
'We are still awaiting his match report. We cannot elaborate further but this is a serious matter. It's something that cannot be condoned. Whatever action is necessary will be taken.'
