Kilcar have said they are 'shocked and appalled' at the decision made to not replay the 2020 Championship final.
The Donegal club made the Covid-delayed final where they met Naomh Connaill with Kilcar losing in a penalty shootout.
Kilcar then lodged an appeal after eventual victors Naomh Connaill had used four substitutes in extra time rather than the three allowed.
And although a replay was initially ordered, the saga has come to a close as Naomh Connaill were handed a €5,000 fine but, crucially, will be able to hold onto their title.
And after the decision, Kilcar say that are 'shocked and appalled' at the decision.
In their statement, they said: "We are shocked and appalled that the decision arising from this finding has imposed what we consider to be the most lenient of penalties, a paltry monetary fine.
"This decision has the material effect of awarding a Donegal Senior Championship title to a club that has been found to be in breach of the C.L.G playing rules.
"It is important to note that the penalty applied, while technically one of the three penalties available to apply for the proven breach of rule addressed, is not proportionate, in our view, when considered in all the ‘circumstances’ of the offence."
It continues: "We believe this decision will be considered an affront, not only to C.L.G Chill Chartha, but to all the clubs who entered the 2020 Senior Championship in good faith, with the reasonable expectation that the playing rules would be adhered to by all parties, and any breaches thereof would be dealt with in an appropriate, fair and just manner.
"We are of the opinion that this decision risks setting a dangerous precedent that has potential to cause irreparable damage to the integrity of the Donegal Senior Championship - a competition that has been to date, held in the highest esteem by all clubs within the county – and to our games generally.
"Furthermore, the decision is completely undermining, in our view, of the GAA’s Code of Behaviour (Underage). This sends a terrible message out to the young people in whom all our clubs work consistently to nurture the core values of integrity, honourable sportsmanship and fair-play, in line with the fundamental values cherished in the Association from its foundation.
"C.L.G Chill Chartha holds this decision, therefore, in utter contempt. However, distasteful as it is, we have decided that to appeal the decision further would not be in our Club’s, our players’, our members’ and our supporters’, or the Association’s best interests.
"As a club we are, rather, directing our energies to the upcoming season for all our players and supporters. In this we are re-affirming our commitment to the Association, its rules and ethics, and the fundamental values which we have shared in promoting for almost 100 years now."
The Donegal club did say they consider the matter closed after the latest decision.
"We consider that a fuller accounting to our members and supporters was warranted given the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves following this inexplicable decision.
"We fully appreciate that we may have (perhaps numerous), members who may well consider that we should follow-up with appeal in seeking to rectify the moral bankruptcy of the outcome to our objections. It is for this reason that we have set-out the position in more detail for all our members - though we may not all agree with the chosen course, at least the rationale for it can be understood by all as we move-on together.
"It is decided, therefore, by C.L.G Chill Chartha that, for the reasons outlined above, it is considered in the best interests of our club that no further action on our part be taken with regard to this matter and, as such, we consider the matter closed."
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