No problem over Connolly decision

THE GAA’s disciplinary system was in the spotlight last night after Dublin attacker Diarmuid Connolly was cleared to play in the All-Ireland football final against Kerry.

Connolly was red-carded by Maurice Deegan, on the advice of linesman Rory Hickey, following a clash with Marty Boyle in the semi-final win over Donegal.

The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) confirmed an automatic four-week, one-match ban for the incident which Deegan deemed ‘striking with the hand’ in his report. However, the Central Hearings Committee (CHC) has now downgraded the offence to engaging ‘in any other form of rough play’ with no ban incurred.