Mayo’s Kevin Keane set to face Dublin after CHC reprieve

Mayo’s hopes of qualifying for the All-Ireland football final have received a boost with confirmation that Kevin Keane will be available for Sunday week’s clash with Dublin.

The experienced defender was last night cleared of the straight red card issued to him in the Connacht champions’ quarter-final win over Donegal.

Keane, a 70th minute substitute in Mayo’s 2-13 to 0-11 win, was dismissed two minutes later by referee David Gough, ruling him out of the clash with Dublin.

But the Westport man, a starter in the 2012 All- Ireland final loss to Donegal, argued his case successfully to a Central Hearings Committee meeting at Croke Park last night.

A Mayo GAA statement confirmed that Keane’s red card was downgraded to a yellow card offence, clearing him to return to duty for the county immediately.

Keane is unlikely to start against the All-Ireland title favourites in what will be a repeat of the 2013 decider won by Dublin but will provide vital cover for May’s joint bosses Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly.