James McCartan won All-Ireland medals in 1991 and 1994

Down All-Ireland medallist McCartan, from Banbridge, denies breaking the jaw of Westmeath full-back Kenny Larkin during a match.

Dublin's District Court heard that in a challenge game on May 25 last year, Mr Larkin fell to the ground after being punched by McCartan.

The GAA authorities have also been investigating the alleged incident.

Sergeant Gerard Feeney said before the match, in Newcastle, Co Dublin, both players had shaken hands.

But he alleged that about ten minutes into the game 32-year-old McCartan suddenly turned around and punched his opponent.

"For some reason, he turned to face Larkin, clenched his fist and struck him on the chin," Sgt Feeney told the court.

"Kenny Larkin fell to the ground in a lot of distress and badly injured.

Larkin could only drink through a straw until July when the wires were removed Garda Sergeant Gerard Feeney

"He was taken to Naas General Hospital with two fractures to his chin and one to the side of his face."

Judge Timothy Lucey was told that 19-year-old Mr Larkin, a trainee Garda officer, needed three metal plates inserted into his chin and had to wear a jaw brace for six weeks.

"Larkin could only drink through a straw until July when the wires were removed," Sgt Feeney added.

"But the metal plates are a permanent fixture and will be there for life."

Defence counsel Karl Finnegan said he would be contesting the manner in which Sgt Feeney said the injuries had occurred.

Judge Lucey accepted jurisdiction in the case. It is listed for mention on 26 March, but McCartan has been excused from attending.

The case is expected to be heard in October and last up to three days.

It will involve around 15 witnesses, many of them high profile Gaelic football players.

The GAA has deferred judgment on the case until the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

The Association's games administration committee has ordered a new inquiry and is expected to rehear all the evidence, including testimonies from two independent witnesses which have not yet been heard.