Still questions to be answered over Johnston’s delayed transfer

SO three months on Seanie Johnston finally gets the green light to move from Cavan Gaels to St. Kevin’s which will ultimately see him, at some stage, line out for Kildare but the question still remains why has it taken so long, writes TOMMY CALLAGHAN.

Following an Appeals Hearing last night (Wednesday) it was agreed that Johnston’s appeal should be successful as all criteria had been fulfilled and, crucially, that neither Cavan Gaels or Cavan Co. Board had lodged any objection within the stipulated ten days period as prescribed in The Official Guide.

But there still remains a few important and vital questions to be answered.

(1) Why has a decision been delayed until now when this transfer was originally lodged with Croke Park on 22 March?

(2) One of the reasons given at an earlier appeal as to why the transfer request was held up was that Cavan Gaelis and Cavan Co. Board were objecting to the move but now it transpires that neither Cavan Gaels or Cavan Co. Board lodged an objection within the ten day period allowed for such objections. So why was the transfer not granted once all other criteria was met?

(3) When Johnston’s appeal was lodged (and heard initially) it was held under the old rule and prior to Congress changing the rule re a player must play with his club in the local championshhip prior to playing with the county, so with the transfer having now been granted does it come under the original rule (when the initial hearings were held) or under the new rule which only came into opration on Monday 14 May.

Lots of questions.

Any answers?