Before a ball has been kicked between Dublin and Mayo in their All-Ireland semi-final replay, there has already been drama.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Diarmuid Connolly had his red card, which he received against Mayo last weekend, nullified by the DRA.
BREAKING NEWS: Diarmuid Connolly appeal to the DRA successful. He's clear to line out v @MayoGAA tomorrow. #UpTheDubs
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) September 5, 2015
Connolly had already been through two levels of the GAA's disciplinary procedure with both the Central Hearings Committee and the Central Appeals Committee upholding his one match suspension.
Details of exactly why the punishment has been quashed have not yet emerged.
This is not the first time that Connolly has had a red card received in an All-Ireland semi-final rescinded. Four years ago, having been sent off against Donegal, the St. Vincent's player was cleared to play against Kerry in the All-Ireland final.
Last weekend's drawn semi-final was one of the most incident packed games in years. The DRA's decision will certainly make what was already going to be a compelling replay even more intriguing.
