Appeal saga 'took it out' of Loughrea's Killeen, says manager Kelly

The matter was ultimately settled by the DRA on Friday night. 

Cullen Killeen of Loughrea leaves the pitch after his side's defeat. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Loughrea manager Tommy Kelly said Cullen Killeen cut a “tired” figure out on the field following a month-long appeals saga that wasn’t resolved until just over 36 hours before throw-in in the All-Ireland club hurling decider.

Sent off at the end of their December 21 All-Ireland semi-final, Killeen’s red card, following unsuccessful attempts in front of the Central Hearings Committee and Central Appeals Committee, was quashed by the Disputes Resolution Authority on Friday midnight.