The “Melee in Tralee” saga rumbles on as both counties intend to appeal fines

Well, colour us surprised.

In the most predictable GAA development since Congress voted against qualifier replays, Kerry and Donegal have indicated they intend to appeal the fines handed out following their bad-tempered Allianz Football League encounter in Tralee. As well as imposing a one-match ban on Donegal full-back Neil McGee, the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) slapped €7,500 fines on both counties. Both counties will go before a hearings committee tonight to seek a reduction in the size of the financial punishments, according to the Irish Independent. Kerry and Donegal will have been encouraged by the Central Hearing Committee's reduction of the fines imposed on Fermanagh and Armagh for their own tunnel dust-up in February, from €5,000 to €1,500. Central Council collected more than €20,000 in fines last year, but the effectiveness of financial penalties as a deterrent to indiscipline is questionable.