Banned Cloonan out for Athenry

Galway star and Athenry defender Diarmuid Cloonan will miss the All-Ireland club hurling final against James Stephens at Croke Park on St Patrick's Day.

The full-back was sent to the line during his side's semi-final victory over Munster and Tipperary

champions Toomevara and he appeared before the Games Administration Committee at Croke Park on Tuesday night.

The GAC handed down a 12-week ban yesterday, meaning the Tribesman will miss the all-important clash.

Referee Aodhan MacSuibhne issued a straight red card to Cloonan following an off-the-ball incident

involving Toomevara forward John O'Brien, who was also shown red. The Tipperary man also received a 12-week suspension.