Updated 12.20
DUBLIN ARE HOPEFUL that they can have Diarmuid Connolly’s suspension overturned on appeal, freeing him to play in next month’s All Ireland SFC final against Kerry.
Although the Dublin County Board have not yet referred yesterday’s sending-off to the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC), TheScore.ie understands that an appeal will be lodged within the time allowed.
The St. Vincent’s forward was given his marching orders with 12 minutes to play in Dublin’s 0-08 to 0-06 semi-final victory over Donegal after he pushed Marty Boyle in the face and the chest.
Referee Maurice Deegan missed the off-the-ball incident initially, but after a brief consultation with linesman Rory Hickey, showed Connolly a straight red card.
The incident is likely to be seen as a Category II offence (“striking or attempting to strike with arm, elbow, hand or knee”), which carries a minimum suspension of four weeks, thus ruling Connolly out of the final on 18 September.
Although some changes were proposed to the disciplinary process at the 2011 Congress, no change was made to Rule 7.3 (p) which allows the player the right to appeal a decision.
Meanwhile, Pat Gilroy will wait until tomorrow evening before taking any decision on the fitness of Rory O’Carroll and Paul Flynn.
O’Carroll was replaced by Philip McMahon during the first-half yesterday after picking up a rib injury, while Flynn had to be helped from the field late on with a hamstring problem.
The panel will meet tomorrow night, allowing the Dublin medical team to fully assess the severity of the problems.
