GAA Issue Provisional Statement On Why Diarmuid Connolly's Ban Was Lifted

Third time's a charm for Diarmuid Connolly, whose ban for being sent off against Mayo in the All Ireland semi final was overturned last night. This means that Connolly is free to play in the semi-final replay between the two counties today.

The GAA have issued a statement on the appeal process on their website this morning:

At a hearing on 4 September at the Regency Hotel Airport in Dublin, a DRA Panel chaired by former Supreme Court judge Hugh O'Flaherty (with solicitors David Nohilly and Brian Rennick) upheld a claim by Diarmuid Connolly against a one match ban arising out of an infraction during the drawn Mayo v Dublin All-Ireland semi final of Sunday, August 30.

The Panel's decision related to lack of fair procedure afforded to Mr. Connolly at an early stage in the GAA's internal disciplinary process which unfairly hindered the preparations for, and presentation of, his defence. Mr Connolly was thus free to play in the replay of the above match on 5 September.

The GAA concluded by confirming that a full and thorough statement from the DRA will be issued within the next two weeks.

H/T Bryan O'Boyle

See Also: Dublin Get Massive Boost For All-Ireland Semi-Final Replay Against Mayo

See Also: The Twitter Reaction To Diarmuid Connolly Having His Suspension Overturned

Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE