“Shanghai” Noone escapes match ban…
It has been confirmed that the “powers that be” will not be taking any further action against Davitts selector John A. Noone after his outburst directed at a match official during last weekend’s playoff against Belmullet. Noone (left of photo) was sent to the stand by referee Ronan Gurren following the explosive confrontation with the Linesman midway through the first half. Indeed, Noone showed admirable restraint, when he was heckled by sections of both sets of supporters during his walk of shame.
A special meeting was convened in Castlebar on Tuesday night by the G.I.M.P.S. (Games In Mayo Provisional Subcommittee) to review the incident, in which the match report as well as eyewitness accounts were taken into consideration. “Noone will not face any further disciplinary action”, our source confirmed after the meeting. “If it wasn’t for his tireless work as Chairman of the Cloonrane branch of the Mayo GAA supporters Club I think the punishment would have been considerably more severe.”
This news gives a massive boost to the Davitts backroom staff ahead of the playoff replay (that shouldn’t have gone to replay) which will take place at 4pm on Saturday next (19th Sept) in Bonniconlon. Upon hearing the news of Noone’s availability for sideline duties next weekend, the relief on team manager Liam Nyland’s face was clearly evident. Nyland went so far as to say “I’m relieved. See the look on my face? That’s a look of relief.” Team Captain Pa Carey went one step further, saying – “To have John A available is a massive boost for the team as his tactical awareness is second to no-one. People think that John is all show and no substance, but once you get to know the man behind the bling it’s obvious that there is an immense footballing brain at work there.” At least you’re not wide of the mark this time Pa!
Noone was asked for his reaction after word emerged that he would not face any further sanctions. “It feels good to put this nonsense to bed once and for all. Now I can concentrate on what’s really important – tactics for the replay. The lads (Nyland & Diskin) are counting on me for the masterstroke, and I won’t disappoint. I was climbing the walls for the last few days with worry, but now I can really get down to work.”
Ironically, Noone was also climbing walls after receiving his marching orders last Sunday. That wall in front of the stand is taller than it looks on first inspection, eh John?
TRIVIA FACT: John A. Noone once won a game of “Connect Four” in 3 moves.
