Armagh to appeal McGrane and McKeever suspensions
Tyrone defender Ryan McMenamin also received a one month ban.
All three suspensions were imposed arising out of separate incidents in the replayed Ulster final a fortnight ago.
McGrane was cited for a high tackle with his fist, McKeever was implicated in the row which led to himself and Peter Canavan being sent off, while video footage showed McMenamin bringing his knees down on John McEntee.
Armagh boss Joe Kernan said he could not understand McKeever’s suspension as he had been dealt with by the referee and was reported for “dangerous play.” Regarding McGrane’s suspension, a player renowned for his sportsmanship and popular among opponents, Kernan revealed that they produced video evidence from a different angle which showed that he did not strike his opponent.
“We are devastated for both players,’’ said Kernan, adding that the media “had hung his team out to dry” over the last few months.
Meanwhile, Tyrone star Stephen O’Neill, controversially sent off in error in the replay, views the four-week suspension McMenamin as a serious blow to the team ahead of tomorrow’s tie against Monaghan.
“There’s no doubt, Ryan is a massive loss to the team,’’ he said. “He has been one of our best defenders over the last three or four years. But we would hope we would still win without him. It’s not as if the team is dependent on one man!’’ Regarding his sending off, O’Neill remained philosophical.
“I was surprised because I only got a ‘tick’ in the first half. But the referee seemed to glance at his notebook and told me he was sending me off for a second yellow card,’’ he commented. “I thought then that I made a mistake in thinking I had only been ticked earlier on. When the referee says something to you like you have got two yellow cards you just have to get on with it.’’ Tomorrow’s game marks the first championship meeting of Tyrone and Monaghan since 1988, a few years before O’Neill and Peter Canavan came on to the senior panel.
“I played against them a few times at U21 level,’’ O’Neill commented. “They have been playing very well this year. Seamus McEnaney has done a very good job with the team.
“It’s hard to know if we are playing better than last year. People were beginning to doubt us until the Ulster final draw, when we were given credit for playing well. But, you just don’t know. It’s all on the day.”
Meanwhile Peter Canavan feels that Armagh should be congratulated for their Ulster final win regardless of the disappointment and furore in Tyrone over the defeat and the ‘inconsistency’ of the match referee.
The All-Ireland winning captain in his monthly column in Hogan Stand magazine admitted that Tyrone had to accept that since they could not get the better of Joe Kernan’s side, then they have to take their hat off and congratulate the Orchard County.
“Tyrone had two opportunities to beat Armagh and we failed to do so,” commented Canavan. “Therefore I congratulate Armagh and believe they are worthy Ulster champions.
“No team has probably ever taken a tougher route to win a provincial title. They played six games defeating the All-Ireland champions of two years ago plus Derry, Fermanagh and Donegal - teams that have appeared in All-Ireland semi-finals in recent years. The achievement of winning five Ulster titles in seven years is a remarkable accomplishment as I consider Ulster to be the toughest and most competitive province to compete in.”
When looking for a reason behind Armagh’s success, Canavan feels that Kieran McGeeney’s leadership and dedication are crucial.
“When looking for reasons for this remarkable level of consistency - one must look no further than their captain Kieran McGeeney.
“It would be an insult to refer to McGeeney as an amateur sportsman. He has captained Armagh to four Ulster titles, a feat that has never been done before or is ever likely to be done again. His continued dedication and leadership is inspiring to those around him in Armagh’s’ pursuit of the Sam Maguire.”
While loath to put the blame for Tyrone’s loss at anyone else’s door but their own, Canavan feels that some of the widespread criticism of the referee Michael Collins was justified.
“In the aftermath of the Ulster final ‘good common sense’ was not the term of reference used to describe the qualities of the refereeing performance,” commented Canavan.
“Whilst I can be accused of being partisan, the analysts on TV cannot. In my opinion their criticism of Michael Collins’ performance was merited and the inconsistency of the Cork man tarnished a great game of football.
“My disappointment with the referee must not take away from a great Armagh victory.”
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