Diarmuid Connolly has been unsuccessful in a bid to have his 12-week suspension lifted. The suspension was given to him last week by the CCCC.
On Tuesday night, the 29-year-old stood in front of the Central Hearings Committee in hope of having the ban for making 'minor physical interference' with linesman Ciaran Branigan overturned. The incident occurred during Dublin's Leinster Championship quarter-final win against Carlow on June 3rd.
At 2:47am last night, the GAA released a statement announcing that Connolly's ban has been upheld.
An Lar Choiste Cheannais na gComOrtaisi (Central Competitions Control Committee) took Disciplinary Action against Diarmuid O Conghaile alleging a breach of Riail 7.2 (b) Category V (i) T.O. 2017, "Minor physical interference with a Linesman"
Diarmuid O Conghaile requested a Hearing which took place on 13ú Meitheamh. An Lar Choiste Eisteachta (Central Hearings Committee) found the infraction proven and imposed the following penalty: 12 weeks Suspension in all Codes and at all Levels.
Diarmuid O Conghaile has the option of appealing against the decision of An Lar Choiste Eisteachta to the Central Appeals Committee.
That is not the end of Connolly's options in his bid to have the ban removed. Rather, it could simply be the beginning of a real saga.
He could yet appeal to the Central Appeals Committee. If that was unsuccessful, the St. Vincent's man could go to the DRA.
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
