Athenry defender awaits ban fate

Athenry are waiting on the referee's report to know if star defender Diarmuid Cloonan can play a part in their All-Ireland club hurling final against James Stephens on St Patrick's Day.

Cloonan was handed a straight red card, along with Toomevara's John O'Brien, during Saturday's win over the Tipperary and Munster champions at Cusack Park, Ennis.

The Galway and Connacht champions are hoping the full-back will receive a four-week ban, which would make him eligible to play in the final.