McKeever free to play after case is closed

ARMAGH HAVE been officially informed that no further disciplinary action is being taken against Ciarán McKeever – thus clearing him for Sunday’s crucial Division One relegation showdown against Donegal in Ballybofey.

There had been conflicting reports about the outcome of the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) investigation into McKeever’s red card incident in the Allianz Football League game against Laois last month, which also resulted in some unfounded allegations of racist and personal abuse.

But as reported in The Irish Times last Friday, the CCCC were effectively left powerless to pursue the case, having reconvened last Wednesday to review the findings of the Central Hearing Committee (CHC), who dismissed McKeever’s original two-match ban for allegedly kicking out at a Laois player on the basis that it was reported to match referee Michael Duffy by the fourth official, who does not have the power to report such infractions.

McKeever, who denied committing any foul, has escaped all punishment, as he also lined out last Saturday week in Armagh’s crucial win over neighbours Down.

Another win over Donegal on Sunday would ensure Armagh stay in Division One, and a draw might suffice: Donegal need to win to avoid the drop, with Laois facing an equally decisive game against Down.

One late change in venue for the final round of games sees Tipperary’s final Division Three game against Offaly switched from Thurles to Clonmel – as the Semple Stadium pitch is being sanded ahead of the Hurling League semi-final double-bill on Sunday, April 22nd. Tipperary are already doomed to relegation, but it does mark the first game in charge for new manager Peter Creedon.

This Saturday’s Hurling League Division One B play-off between Limerick and Clare was fixed for the Gaelic Grounds on the basis that Ennis hosted the Division Two final last year (which Limerick won).

Limerick manager John Allen has injury concerns over forward Conor Allis, who sustained a hand injury in last Sunday’s win over Antrim, having scored eight points. Allen is also awaiting a fitness update on on corner back Tom Condon, who was taken off at half-time on Sunday with a wrist injury.

Declan Hannon remains unavailable with a groin injury but should be back in time for the championship, and so too will fellow defender Séamus Hickey, who Allen confirmed was set to rejoin the Limerick panel when he returns home from America next week.