This was an attempt to overturn the decision of the Connacht Council made on 11 November 2010 which had upheld the decision of the Sligo Hearings Committee, which imposed 48 week suspensions on Baireád on the basis that Baireád had illegally played for Western Gaels club.

B Summary of the decision

The Tribunal held that proper procedures had not been followed by Connacht Council. A sanction had been imposed for failing to attend an oral hearing. However, Baireád had not sought an oral hearing and therefore the Connacht Hearings Committee had acted ultra vires in applying the sanction as on the facts no breach of rule had occurred.

The Tribunal ruled the Connacht Council had incorrectly applied its own rules. Thus, it was ultimately held that the decision was quashed and the matter would be referred back to the Connacht Council for re-hearing.

C Summary of Law

The disciplinary rules of an sports organisation must be strictly  followed by that organisation. You cannot apply a sanction for something that has not occurred.