O’Brien instrumental in Horgan getting all clear

Cork GAA chiefs believe Limerick hurler Paudie O’Brien’s intervention was crucial in getting Patrick Horgan’s red card downgraded last weekend.

Horgan was shown a straight red by referee James McGrath just before half-time in the Munster final for striking O’Brien with his hurley, a decision that was widely criticised after the game. Cork chose to appeal the suspension and took their case to the GAA’s Central Hearings Committee last Saturday.

Paudie O’Brien had offered to travel to the committee to speak in Horgan’s defence, while he also wrote a letter supporting the Cork forward, pointing out that he had gone down from the impact of the sliotar which struck him on his helmet’s face-mask, not from Horgan’s blow.