Armagh and Donegal seek hearing

Armagh and Donegal are seeking to have the red cards received by Francie Bellew (Armagh) and Adrian Sweeney (Donegal) in the Ulster quarter-final replay rescinded. Both counties have requested a hearing with the Central Disciplinary Committee tomorrow in Croke Park.

The two managers Brian McEniff and Joe Kernan are anxious to get the situation addressed as they play championship matches this Sunday. Donegal face Wicklow in Aughrim in the first round of the qualifiers, while Armagh face Derry in the Ulster football semi-final back at St Tiernach's Park.

Regarding the week turnaround, there has been little objection from the four Ulster semi-finalists as the victors are ensured a two-week rest ahead of the final on July 10th in Croke Park. "It is a long journey and finding accommodation will be a problem," said McEniff yesterday, "but it is still nice to be in the championship and I said that to the boys after the game, while also reminding them of the times when a second chance wasn't there."

Losing Sweeney would be a blow for Donegal as Kevin Cassidy is already out, having been sent off in the drawn match with Armagh, while Brendan Devenney has an ankle problem and Raymond Sweeney has a chest infection. A team will be selected on Thursday.

McEniff said Bellew did nothing to warrant the red card. "To be fair to Francie, he always plays on the margin of the rules, but didn't deserve to go. I always tell my players before going on to the field to keep their mouth shut, hands down, don't get sent off and don't get anyone else sent off. I gave out to players after Paddy McKeever was sent off last week as Barry Monaghan pushed him.

"Adrian Sweeney clashed with Kieran McGeeney, but it was a full frontal challenge. They are both big men and Kieran McGeeney put his body in there, as all Armagh players tend to do. I thought maybe a yellow card, but nothing more."

McEniff expressed his disappointment the decisions made at the referees meeting last week were not conveyed to inter-county managers. He refused to criticise Laois official Maurice Deegan, but the lack of off-field communication dates back to his early years as a manager.

"I remember in 1983 taking a Ulster team out to play Munster and the referees had sat earlier in the week to discuss the personal foul rule. I ended up with 12 players that day and Munster lost players as well.

Armagh hope to use video evidence to exonerate Bellew, but it is unlikely they will object to the straight red McKeever received in the drawn match. Ronan Clarke (lower back) is the only casualty from the weekend.

Cavan and Tyrone return to Clones this Saturday (throw-in 5.30pm) for their replay. Both sides will resist naming a team at least until Thursday. Cavan's Paul Brady is unavailable after being sent off while being stretchered off with cramp.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte confirmed Pascal McConnell (damaged sternum) and captain Brian Dooher would be available.