Fermanagh, Armagh and Cavan sanctioned over Sigerson Cup rule breaches

Fermanagh, Armagh and Cavan have all been hit with penalties after breaching McKenna Cup regulations by fielding players involved in the Sigerson Cup.

Declan Bonner led the Ernesiders to a two-point midweek win over Cavan but that has now been overturned after it emerged that Fionan and Cian O’Brien both featured despite being named on Ulster University’s Sigerson panel. Cavan were also found to have breached the rules by playing Dara Lovett of TU Dublin.

As both sides were in violation, the fixture has been declared null and void, with Fermanagh losing the points they had gained from the result.

The outcome has a significant impact elsewhere in the competition. Down have been awarded the points from their clash with Armagh after the Orchard County were found to have used two ineligible players. 

That decision leaves Down level with Tyrone at the top of Section A heading into their meeting in Pomeroy on Sunday.

Monaghan have also benefited from the ruling in Section B. With the Fermanagh v Cavan result wiped from the records, Monaghan’s opening win over Cavan puts them in a strong position to progress. They will reach the semi-finals unless they are defeated by Fermanagh in Castleblayney on Sunday.

All rulings were confirmed following a meeting of the Ulster Competitions Control Committee.