Down in broken jaw row - 28/05/03

Westmeath are demanding an investigation into an incident in a challenge game against Down on Sunday which led to defender Ken Larkin sustaining a broken jaw. County secretary Paddy Collins has confirmed that he will be asking the GAA's Games Administration Committee to examine the issue. Full-back Larkin received the broken jaw in the first half of the game at Newcastle, Co Dublin. To make matters worse for Westmeath, who face Meath in the Leinster Championship on Sunday, David Kilmartin also sustained a collarbone injury in the game.

Down boss Paddy O'Rourke has expressed surprise at Westmeath's decision to ask the GAC to intervene. O'Rourke told the Irish News that the match had been a "very clean" game of football. However, Westmeath boss Luke Dempsey has a very different opinion. "Ken's a very, very nice fella who is coming up the ranks," said Dempsey.

Larkin operation "He is an extremely mannerly and lovely fellow. "He is now in St James' Street Hospital. His jaw was broken in two places during an off-the-ball incident". Dempsey claimed that the first 20 minutes of the game were "far too robust for a friendly game".

Down intercounty referee Colm Broderick was in charge of the game but Dempsey insisted that he was happy with the whistler's performance. "The referee was faultless. He didn't see the incident".

GAC chairman Tony O'Keeffe has said that an investigation may take place. Larkin is expected to have an operation on Wednesday.

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