Ban rules Cloonan out of final

AS expected, Athenry full-back Diarmuid Cloonan - younger brother of team captain Eugene - has been ruled out for the All-Ireland club hurling final with James Stephens in Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.

Cloonan and Toomevara’s John O’Brien each received a 12-week suspension from the Games Administration Committee, arising from the incident in the All-Ireland semi-final in Ennis last month. It means that Cloonan will also be ineligible for Galway’s remaining games in the Allianz League.

Athenry secretary Jarlath Cloonan, the player’s uncle, described it as a blow to the player, as well as to the club’s chances of winning a fourth title.