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Writing on hurleys could be writing on wall
Monday August 11th 2003
THREE players in yesterday's hurling thriller could face disciplinary action in a dispute over sponsorship.
Wexford duo, Paul Codd and Damien Fitzhenry, and Cork's Sean Og O hAilpin, used a sponsor's name on their hurleys in the drawn All-Ireland semi-final.
The name of a bookmaking firm was prominently emblazoned on the hurleys.
And the writing on the hurleys seems likely to bring them into conflict with the GAA authorities.
Players are allowed to sign personal deals with companies to promote products but this does not extend to playing gear. The only branding allowed on playing gear is the manufacturers' name, in addition to the name of the county's official sponsors. Hurleys are considered to be part of the playing gear and that could leave Codd, Fitzhenry and O hAilpin with a case to answer.
Cork's Setanta O hAilpin was reported to be also planning to use a sponsored hurley in his first senior championship game in Croke Park. But that didn't materialise. It is understood that players from Kilkenny and Tipperary have signed a deal with the same bookmaking firm for next Sunday's second semi-final clash so it is likely that the GAA will clarify the position this week.
Wexford and Cork served up a thrilling game yesterday and they will have to meet again after Rory McCarthy's dramatic equalising goal for Wexford three minutes into injury time.
In what some observers are already calling one of the greatest games in the history of the championship, Wexford made the early running to lead by four points at half-time.
But Cork turned the game on its head, thanks to a Setanta O hAilpin goal, and looked destined for another All-Ireland final appearance - until some late drama proved a fitting end to a classic encounter. In the football replay, Donegal beat Galway to join Armagh and Tyrone, and Kerry in the semis.
Championship thrills: Sport 1 to 5
Martin Breheny
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