"This is really about rules, " said Merrins. "It's about the interpretation of rules and the implications at all levels of those interpretations. This has nothing to do with the game itself. We were beaten fair and square in it and when the rumour went round in the aftermath of the game that Offaly might have used six subs, it was the last thing I wanted to hear because I knew it would get messy. But we have an obligation to see the rules upheld, otherwise what's to stop teams at all levels abusing them?"

Offaly county secretary Christy Todd had little to add to the Leinster Council's decision other than to welcome it.

"Offaly are delighted that the confusion surrounding the win over Kildare last Sunday has been dispelled, " was the extent of his reaction.

The emergency meeting was called after it emerged that the Leinster Council had erred in deciding to refer the issue to Central Council for interpretation of the rule governing blood substitutions earlier in the week. It was decided that Central Council only had the power to rule on a decision made by a provincial council and not, as would have been the case, to impose a ruling of their own upon it.

It was reported at Central Council yesterday that the Management Committee considered the issues relating to the Kildare versus Offaly game on Friday night. The Committee decided that it was a matter for the Leinster Council to adjudicate on the relevant substitution rules. It was explained that in accordance with procedures and practice, units should have an option to pursue an appeal through the Central Appeals Committee if so desired.

The Leinster Council have taken the decision that as per the referee's report the result of the game stands. Pat Dunny, the Kildare delegate to Central Council stated that it was Kildare's intention to pursue the matter further.

The Management Committee also decided that the draw for the first round of the qualifiers should take place this Sunday evening on the basis that neither Kildare nor Offaly can be drawn against Westmeath.

There is now also the prospect of Offaly and Wexford deferring for a week to have a double header with the winners of Dublin/Longford and Laois/Carlow in Croke Park on Sunday 25 June.