Castlebar Mitchels object to Cora Staunton playing for Carnacon last Sunday

AN objection from Castlebar Mitchels LGFA to Cora Staunton's appearance for Carnacon in last Sunday's league match between the teams has been upheld by Mayo County Board.

Staunton scored a hat-trick for Carnacon as they defeated Castlebar on a 7-4 to 1-12 scoreline, but the women in green and red have been forced to forfeit that victory after their opponents objected to her presence.

Castlebar Mitchels lodged an objection in the hours after the final whistle saying “We have been advised that an unregistered player was named and fielded for the semi-final match against us on Sunday, August 18 2024.”

The Mayo News understands that Staunton's registration was lodged in the days leading up to Sunday's match but wasn't sanctioned by authorities in Croke Park until Monday morning. Therefore, by the letter of the law, the most decorated footballer ever to play the game was ineligible to play for the club she has represented for more than 30 seasons.

A meeting of the Mayo LGFA Disciplinary Committee ruled in Castlebar's favour and ordered the reversal of the result, which has now consigned Carnacon to a relegation play-off against Moy Davitts on Sunday morning in Foxford, while Castlebar will take on Kilmovee Shamrocks in the Division 1 Shield final in the Connacht Centre of Excellence.

Des Philips, chairman of Mayo County Board told The Mayo News that once the objection was lodged the board followed procedures, which led to Carnacon having to forfeit the game.

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