Kealy has suspension lifted just in time
Kealy received a six months suspension term for allegedly pushing a linesman in his club’s game in the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Sevens in September, causing him to miss the semi final and final of the Meath SFC and the club’s historic Leinster championship campaign.
However, as a result of new information furnished in an affidavit, the suspension was lifted at this week’s meeting of the GAC at Croke Park making him eligible for selection on Sunday.
The GAC also exonerated Donegal Allstar Kevin Cassidy, who received a straight red card in his side’s Allianz NFL tie with Dublin. Cassidy was accompanied to the meeting by Donegal manager Brian McEniff.
After viewing a video recording of the incident which led to his dismissal officials determined that the particular offence only merited a yellow card.
The news was welcomed by the Donegal defender as he is free for selection as Sligo IT continue their defence of the Sigerson title next week.
“It was great news and I will now be able to play for Sligo in the Sigerson game against DCU on Wednesday next and hopefully the finals in Cork in March,” said Cassidy yesterday.
The high profile case involving Waterford hurler John Mullane is expected to be finalised at the next meeting of the GAC, which is scheduled for March 5. Mullane was allegedly involved in an incident in an U21 match between De La Salle, Waterford and Mullinavat of Kilkenny, in which a Mullinavat player received a serious injury.
Mullane attended a meeting of the Association’s Disciplinary Committee, the outcome of which will not be known until next month.
Meanwhile the officers of the Kildare County Board have been summoned to that GAC meeting following a complaint made by Sligo about the list of players furnished by the Lilywhites for the recent NFL game between the sides.
Sligo claim that Kildare were in breach of rule 109 ‘B’ as they only named 15 players instead of the required 24 and also failed to name the players clubs as required under rule. Ironically both sides were last year involved in controversy after Kildare used 21 subs in their National League meeting.
The harshest punishment of the night was reserved for Cork’s Fionan Murray, who was sent off in the NFL game against Kerry. He was suspended for two months after being reported by referee Mike Monaghan for verbal abuse. Murray was granted a personal hearing and was accompanied by Cork County Board Chairman Jim Forbes.
Murray’s suspension means that he will miss the remainder of Cork’s League campaign. The player said yesterday, “I got a fair hearing in Croke Park and I have no complaints about the suspension.”
Anthony Nolan (Wexford), Fergal Kelly (Mayo), Gregory McCartain (Down), Shane Colleary (Westmeath), Jonathon Dunning (Roscommon) and James Stokes (Limerick), were all suspended for a period of one month after being red-carded in recent League matches. While Rory O’Connell (Westmeath), was suspended for two weeks for two cautionable offences.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
