GAA: O'Meara 'woefully disappointed' at ban decision

Banned Tipperary hurler Brian O'Meara has expressed disappointment at the failure of the GAA to lift the ban and allow him play in next Sunday's All Ireland senior hurling final.

Banned Tipperary hurler Brian O'Meara has expressed disappointment at the failure of the GAA to lift their ban on him and allow him to play in next Sunday's All Ireland senior hurling final.

The Tipperary half-forward, who has been a key figure in his side's championship campaign, describes himself as "woefully disappointed with the attitude of the GAA" to his case.

"I am very disappointed that the Games Administration Committee did not even recommend leniency to the management committee.

"The case seemed to be closed from the word go and it certainly seemed as if they did not want to know about the circumstances of the case, nor the massive public opinion in favour of lifting the suspension.

"I had hoped that a more sympathetic attitude would prevail. I know they (the GAA) want to take a stand on these matters, but, they should have had regard to the circumstances of this case," said Brian who described it as being "a very difficult time".

Hayes was sent off in the All Ireland semi-final reply against Wexford.