You'll hardly need reminding that the Dublin quartet of Ciaran Whelan, Bryan Cullen, Kevin Bonner and Alan Brogan were all exonerated along with the Tyrone trio of Kevin Hughes, Michael McGee and Owen Mulligan, the officially stated reason being 'a technicality'.
The press release from Croke Park announcing the shock news came on Wednesday March 8, It was brief and terse: 'The GAA have confirmed that the appeals on behalf of Dublin and Tyrone players heard by the Central Appeals Committee last night have been upheld. The suspensions initially imposed will no longer apply.'
But, to the best of my knowledge, there was never a clear and concise reason given for the decision to clear the septet, even though quite a few observers from afar – myself included – did try to inform their readers about the thinking behind the surprise development.
It appears that it was because there was apparently contravention of a rule that dictates that members of the disciplinary committee who have been delegated with the task of viewing the video evidence and providing a recommendation as to the identity of the culprits can then no longer be active members of the body that adjudicates on the guilt or otherwise of the people called forward by the GAC.
It seems that a point regarding the video evidence was raised at the personal hearings and, in an attempt to seek clarification, one of the scrutinising delegation was called into the room. That supposedly was the blunder that brought about the downfall of the entire case.
But Meath chairman Brendan Dempsey to the Irish Star that he feels the facts should now be put in the public domain.
'Nobody has come out and clearly stated why and how the players got off. It hasn't been made public and we want to find out the reasoning behind the suspensions being overturned.
'A lot has been said about this game and the subsequent investigations, yet nobody knows why the players were able to get their suspensions overturned.'
Ten years ago Meath were involved in the infamous All-Ireland Final brawl with Mayo. Eight Meath and seven mayo players were suspended as a result, the total ban amounting to 38 months.
I hope Dempsey was joking, however, when he added this: 'We want to know how the Dublin and Tyrone players got their bans overturned so we'll know how to get off if it ever happens to us again.'
As I've said before, the players should have accepted their punishment and served them in full. As president Sean Kelly, has said several times since, to get off on a technicality is sending out the wrong message to everyone in the game. And it's not clearing their names, which will be forever sullied as people who were not only found guilty, but unwilling to take it on the chin.

Shooting themselves in the foot?

The GPA descended to a new low when they did a text poll last week before their EGM on Saturday, this to ascertain whether the members would be winning to consider strike action next weekend, this intended to highlight the depth of feeling there is within their ranks regarding the failure of the southern government to provide them with sports grants.
I will deliberate the issue further at a later date. But I think their penchant for militant action is further evidence that they will keep pushing for more and more perks for their members until they eventually get to the 'pay for play' demand that is their ultimate goal, much as this has been denied.
I still believe it's an elitist organisation and the more militant they become the more it will seep through to the ordinary player way down the pecking order that their welfare or interest means nothing to the guys at the top – and there will one day be a revolt by the clubmen who are the grassroots of the GAA and should not be treated with such contempt by those who only care about the big names.
Given that so many of the household names are doing nicely through sponsorship, endorsements and income from appearances and milking the dinner dance circuit, I feel the GPA is all about greed and not need.

Tannoy annoys

I have had a couple of people on complaining about the tannoy announcer at Healy Park.
It seems his desire to pass on information leads some people to believe he loves the sound of his own voice.
One of the callers was annoyed because, at the Tyrone-Kerry game on Sunday week, he gave the result of just one other match that day – the Armagh tie which was a defeat at the hands of Laois. He wonders why that should be, insinuating that he was just serving to hype up the obvious bitterness in the rivalry between the counties.

Club Tyrone complaint

And a reader from Coalisland communicated by e-mail his dissatisfaction about an advertisement in the programme from that match against Kerry.
'I would like to express my disappointment in relation to the advertisement for the Tyrone summer camps in association with Club Tyrone that was in Sunday's league programme.
"While I think the camps and, indeed, Club Tyrone may be two of the best ideas ever to come out of my county I do believe that the advertising for the camps is terrible.
'In Sunday's programme, Stephen O'Neill - who Imight add is a very jovial, unassuming man and a true role model for the young in all that is good in the
GAA - is standing with the most solemn look on his face amidst flames with the writing above him also in flames. Two children either side of him stand with the same sad despondent look.
'Is the Tyrone summer camp not meant to be about enjoyment and fun and the joy of Gaelic games? The headline for this ad would be more appropriate saying "welcome to hell!!!".
'Now maybe I'm missing the point and there is a reason to portray it like this but I'm sorry, I just can't see it.
'Last year's ads were equally as depressing looking with Stephen O'Neill made to look like a psycho in the front of the picture.
'I would like to know is there a meaning behind this? Otherwise, please portray Gaelic games for children in the way it should be - FUN!'
I didn't see the advert in question and can't, therefore, comment. Maybe somebody connected with the summer camps or Club Tyrone will reply.