Down may appeal red card

DOWN County Board may be about to make a sensational bid for clemency for star midfielder Gregory McCartan, who was sent off in yesterday’s drawn Bank of Ireland Ulster football final epic, at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones.

McCartan is destined to miss next Sunday's replay, plus three more weeks of competitive football after being dismissed by Kerry referee Aidan Managan just before half-time in yesterday's enthralling battle.

"I thought it was a very harsh sending-off," said Down manager Paddy O'Rourke. "Gregory was fouled and he threw the ball back at the player who had fouled him.