We had to fight Kerrigan’s ban, reveals Counihan

Conor Counihan has revealed that Cork felt compelled to clear Paul Kerrigan’s name last week after he was slapped with a two-game ban after being sent-off during last Sunday’s draw against Armagh.

The Rebels’ manager insisted it was clear the Nemo Rangers forward had not attempted a head butt during the first-half of the Morgan Athletic Grounds clash.

A two-match ban had been proposed for Kerrigan last week but Cork chose to take the case to the Central Hearings Committee.

That hearing took place on Friday night with Kerrigan travelling to Croke Park with Cork county board vice-chairman Ger Lane and Counihan.

Kerrigan was cleared of the suspension, paving the way for him to feature in yesterday’s tie with Down and he was introduced as a substitute in the first-half.

He will also now be available for the March 4 trip to Ballybofey to face Donegal.

“It was something we felt we had to appeal and it worked out and we’re happy to move on,” revealed Counihan.

“It was just clear that he didn’t attempt to butt and to use the head.”

Kerrigan expressed his delight that what he described as “a tough week” had concluded.

“I was happy to get the appeal maybe before this game. Things went well at it and I’m very happy obviously in getting to play the two games.

“It doesn’t complicate things either further down the year with thathanging over me. It was a tough week but having got that out of the way on Friday, I was delighted.”