DUBLIN’S DIARMUID CONNOLLY has been cleared to play in the All-Ireland final on Sunday week, after his red card in the semi-final was overturned on appeal.
Connolly was harshly sent off in Dublin’s game against Donegal for raising his arms to Marty Boyle (see video below), forcing his side to play with 14 men for the remainder of the game as a result.
The player, who starred in Dublin’s quarter-final victory over Tyrone, was previously set for a four-week ban, which was recommended by the CCCC.
However the Central Hearings Committee neglected to enforce this ban following Connolly’s appeal and the player is now set to feature in Dublin’s forward line for their all-important game with Kerry.
A statement from the Dublin county board’s official website confirmed he could play in the game. It read:
“Diarmuid Connolly will be available for selection for the Dublin senior footballers in their All-Ireland SFC final against Kerry on Sunday week.”
If Dublin triumph, it will be the first time they have won the Sam Maguire Cup since 1995.