Boost for Mitchels as Moran can face Crokes

Castlebar Mitchels’ talismanic midfielder Barry Moran is free to line out against Dr Crokes in the All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final after winning his appeal for a red card suspension from the Connacht final.

Moran was sent to the line by Sligo referee Marty Duffy early in the second-half for a high tackle on St. Brigid’s midfielder Karol Mannion and received a one-match suspension. However the Connacht Council overturned the decision freeing up last year’s All Star nominee for the February 15 showdown.

“There was nothing intentional or malicious about it. We are going to look at the TV replays before making a final decision on the appeal,” Moran said after the final whistle.

St Brigids’ Frankie Dolan was also reported by Duffy, alongside his brother Garvan, for incidents after the final whistle and is appealing 48-week suspensions. However their appeals are not expected to be heard until later this month.