Judge William Early ruled that McCartan had assaulted Larkin during a challenge match between Down and Westmeath at Newcastle, Co. Dublin in May 2003. McCartan denied that he broke Larkin’s jaw by hitting him in the face with a clenched fist.

Sentencing has been postponed until Monday, November 22 and it remains to be seen if McCartan will face a jail term. The 32-year-old had previously been cleared of an wrong-doing by the GAC following a lengthy investigation.