Murphy back from ban as Cork face Fermanagh

THE GAA's Games Administration Committee has completed its investigation into the after-match incident in the floodlit Kerry/Cork NFL game in February 8.

It has confirmed a four-week suspension for Cork player Gary Murphy, which has already been served.

No action was taken against Kerry's Paul Galvin the only other player involved in the incident who suffered concussion. It had been alleged that he struck Murphy. As a result, he was called before the GAC to answer the charge and he was present at this week's meeting, having been absent from the original hearing.

Murphy was charged with a category C offence, which carried an automatic four weeks ban.

Once Cork County Board became aware of the charge against him, he was not used in the subsequent games. Having sought clarification, they were informed he could resume playing once the suspension had been served.

He is named in the side for tomorrow evening's floodlit game against Fermanagh in Páirc Uí Rinn.

Roscommon's Gary Cox and Brian McLaughlin from Donegal also received four-week suspensions arising from incidents in games against Monaghan and London, respectively, on March 14.

In addition, Kildare hurling manager Morgan Lawlor received an eight weeks suspension from the date of Wednesday night's meeting arising from an incident in the NHL game against Down in Newbridge on March 13.

Fixtures in the second phase of the Allianz National Hurling League were confirmed. Unlike last year, teams will not carry forward their points from the first phase. The top section of Division 1 features Galway, Clare, Waterford, Cork, Tipperary and Limerick. The top two teams from this group will play in the final on May 9. The lower section features Kilkenny, Laois, Dublin, Offaly, Wexford and Antrim. The team which finishes last in the group will be relegated.

The two highest finishing sides in the top section of Division 2 will go through to the Division 2 league final (also on May 9). The teams that finish outside the top half of the table after phase 1 meet on April 11 to decide who will enter the Round Robin relegation play-off with London with the bottom team from this section dropping to Division 3 next season.

Division I (first named teams have home venue):

Round 1 April 11: Galway v Cork, Kilkenny v Offaly, Clare v Tipperary, Laois v Wexford, Waterford v Limerick, Dublin v Antrim.

Round 2 April 18: Tipperary v Galway, Wexford v Kilkenny, Limerick v Clare, Antrim v Laois, Cork v Waterford, Offaly v Dublin.

Round 3 April 25: Galway v Limerick, Kilkenny v Antrim, Cork v Clare, Offaly v Laois, Tipperary v Waterford, Wexford v Dublin.

Division 2:

Round 1- April 11: Down v Kerry, Westmeath v Wicklow, Roscommon v Meath.

Round 2 April 18: Wicklow v Down, Meath v Westmeath, Kerry v Roscommon.

Round 3- April 25: Down v Meath, Kerry v Westmeath, Wicklow v Roscommon.