Kilcar 'shocked and appalled' as 2020 final saga closes

The long-running saga surrounding the 2020 Donegal senior football championship has finally come to a conclusion, and it is fair to say that beaten finalists Kilcar (CLG Chill Chartha) are none too pleased with the outcome.

The Covid-delayed 2020 final was eventually played in August of last year, with the match going into extra-time before Naomh Conaill came through a shoot-out to secure the title.

An appeal was lodged by Kilcar, however, as the champions used four substitutes during extra-time, as opposed to the regulation three during the additional period of play.

The Donegal CCC initially ordered a replay of the final, however, that decision was overturned when taken to the provincial body who ordered the process to begin again.

And now, following another meeting of the county CCC, the outcome resulted in Naomh Conaill being handed a fine of €5,000, however, they were allowed to hold onto their title.

Kilcar were incensed by the decision and have now released a strongly worded statement, stressing that they hold the decision in "utter contempt", yet have decided that it is in the club's best interest to opt against appealing the decision and look ahead to the 2022 championship.

"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," read the Kilcar statement.

"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 CLG playing rules.

"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