Murphy has red card rescinded

Michael Murphy will be available to lead Donegal into battle in Sunday week's Ulster SFC semi-final against reigning champions Tyrone.

Murphy was facing a four-week ban for his sending-off in last weekend's win over Cavan, but managed to get the red card rescinded at a Croke Park hearing last night.

Referee Marty Duffy felt that Murphy had struck Cavan defender Damien Reilly when the pair came together in the 15th minute of the quarter-final clash.

Replays suggested that it was a harsh call on the Sligo official's behalf, with Donegal manager Jim McGuinness insisting afterwards: "It definitely wasn't a strike.

"Michael says he went to try and shoulder him. He definitely didn’t raise his hand and strike, he assured us of that at half-time."

Despite the absence of their 21-year-old captain, the Tir Chonaill men went on to record a 2-14 to 1-8 win over Cavan.

Murphy has received the backing of a number of GAA figures in recent days, including Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, former Armagh and Galway boss Joe Kernan and ex-Dublin midfielder Ciaran Whelan.

Harte said that it appeared to be a harsh decision and that he would expect Murphy "to be back (for the semi-final)", while Kernan stated: "The offence for which the referee issued the ultimate sanction looked relatively innocuous - more a push than anything else, I would have thought."

The appeal was heard last night by the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee, and its success provides Donegal with a timely boost as they bid to qualify for their first Ulster senior final since 2006.