The All-Ireland Club football final dispute is over after Glen withdrew from the appeals process on Friday night.
It has been a dramatic 24 hours in the row over the result of the club final last month with Kilmacud stating their intention to appeal Tuesday’s CCCC ruling that the game must be replayed after the Dublin club had two extra players on the pitch for the final passage of play.
A Central Hearings Committee (CHC) appeal was due to be heard in the coming days, but that will now not take place and the result will stand.
Read more: Glen v Kilmacud: All-Ireland Club Final to be replayed after CCCC delivers ruling
A statement issued by the Derry side read:"Watty Graham's GAC, Glen lodged an objection to the result of the All-Ireland club final because we believed that grounds existed for a replay to be held if Rule 6.44 had been broken.
"However, the club does not now believe that the opportunity is there for a replay to go ahead.
"Due to the ongoing proceedings we as a club now do not believe the conditions exist for a replay to be contested.
"Consequently, Watty Graham’s, Glen would like to withdraw from this process," the statement continued.
"The club added that the sense of pride and respect they have for their team and management would endure.
"They have treated us to countless moments of joy, which until recently, we didn’t even know were possible.
"Watty Graham’s GAC would like to thank our members for all the support they have given to our players, management and committee.
"The club would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the messages of help and support we have received from throughout the country.
"We will go again. Onwards and upwards. An Gleann Abu!"
The controversy arose in the closing stages of the final, played on Sunday, January 22 at Croke Park with Kilmacud winning by two points.
However, in the immediate aftermath of the game, questions were raised about extra players on the pitch for the final passage of play.
Subsequent footage showed Paul Mannion was inactive as he was making his way off the pitch, yet Dara Mullin was on the goal line as Kilmacud defended a late ‘45 from Danny Tallon.
The Maghera men failed to find the net with their last attack as Conleth McGuckian’s shot flashed narrowly wide.
After the GAA stressed they wouldn’t take action without an appeal, despite past precedents, Glen lodged an objection against the result last Tuesday night.
Over the weekend, Kilmacud confirmed they submitted a counter-objection amid reports suggesting the Stillorgan outfit had no interest in replaying the game.
On Tuesday, the CCCC ordered the game to be replayed with Kilmacud taking a further appeal via the Central Hearings Committee.
Many believed the case would end up with the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA), but Glen’s decision has brought an end to an unsavoury and unfortunate end to the club season.
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