Connolly could still start for Dublin

DUBLIN could gain Diarmuid Connolly a reprieve from suspension for Sunday week’s All-Ireland final on a technicality.

Although Gilroy is confident of the case presented for the St Vincent’s man against a proposed four-week ban being successful at tonight’s Central Hearing Committee meeting, it appears Dublin GAA chiers have another avenue of protest.

There is a suggestion referee Maurice Deegan didn’t follow proper procedure issuing Connolly with the straight red card before taking his name after his involvement in an incident with Donegal’s Marty Boyle in last month’s All-Ireland semi-final.

According to playing rule 1.2 (x) (c) under duties of the referee, the match official is expected “to order off a player who commits an ordering off foul/infraction by taking his name (if not already taken) and showing him a red card”.

Should the Dublin County Board fail to have Connolly’s ban overturned in Croke Park tonight, they are likely to forward the case to the Central Appeals Committee. Meanwhile, Gilroy took his side to the Avon Rí leisure resort in Blessington, Co Wicklow, this weekend as part of their preparations for the decider against Kerry.