Galway will be without U21 star Brian Concannon for their All-Ireland final tie against Limerick this Sunday after the GAA Central Hearings Committee upheld his red card from the Bord Gais Energy U21 All-Ireland semi-final.
Concannon was sent off just before half-time during their semi-final against Tipperary at the Gaelic Grounds. The senior squad member received his marching orders after an apparent strike off the ball. The loss of their star forward was a huge blow for Tony Ward's side who went on to lose 1-17 to 3-17.
A hearing on Tuesday upheld the red card for "striking with a hurley, with minimal force." The proposed sanction was a two-week suspension in the same code at the same level. However, this is applied as a one-game suspension for a player exiting an under-age grade.
Statement from GAA Central Hearings Committee (14/08/2018) - Hearing 1 of 2: Brian Concannon pic.twitter.com/HkPDegjMqp
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 15, 2018
Concannon has been heavily involved with the senior squad this year, making his debut against Offaly in the Leinster Championship and scoring two goals. He does have the option of an appeal with the Central Appeals Committee.
Meanwhile, Tipperary U21 forward Mark Kehoe has had his red card rescinded from the same game and will be available for the U21 final against Cork.
Mark Kehoe has had his red card against Galway rescinded and is clear to play in the All Ireland Under 21 Hurling Final against Cork
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) August 14, 2018
