Down manager Paddy Tally unlikely to miss any collective training after ban reduced

Down manager Paddy Tally has been handed an 8-week suspension after his side broke the collective training ban. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Cork manager Ronan McCarthy’s prospects of having his three-month suspension reduced appear favourable after Down football boss Paddy Tally had his ban lowered from 12 to eight weeks by the GAA’s Central Hearings Committee on Tuesday night.

Croke Park has confirmed that Tally’s ban took effect from the night of the hearing and will conclude on April 6, meaning the Down manager will miss no league games, and is not likely to miss any collective training, with the GAA ruling out any return before Easter.