Ban rules Kelly out of provincial campaign

Waterford hurler Eoin Kelly will miss the entire Munster championship after receiving a 12-week suspension from the GAA's Central Disciplinary Committee (CDC) yesterday. Kelly was found guilty of striking with the hurley in the National League game against Offaly on April 9th.

This means if Waterford were to qualify he would miss the Munster final on June 25th. An appeal is not expected.

Kelly's Waterford team-mate and captain Paul Flynn will be available from next weekend after receiving the mandatory four weeks arising from another incident, this time against Limerick, on April 16th. Flynn was red-carded for making contact with an opponent but was exonerated of striking.

Three other suspensions were announced by the CDC following last Tuesday's first meeting under the new chairman, John O'Reilly.

Clare footballer Frank O'Dea was suspended for four weeks, from April 9th, arising from an incident in the league match against Longford. Joint Clare football manager Donal Buckley was handed an eight-week ban, which starts on May 2nd.

Laois hurler Michael McEvoy received a four-week suspension arising from a red card he received against Wexford in the National League on April 15th.

Meanwhile, Cavan football manager Martin McElkennon has delayed naming a team for the Ulster championship opener against Down at Casement Park this Sunday to allow Jason O'Reilly (hamstring) and Larry Reilly (calf) time to recover from injury. The team will be announced tomorrow.

Down manager Paddy O'Rourke will select from a full panel this evening. There had been a concern surrounding forward Benny Coulter after a hand injury but he has come through several club games in recent weeks.

Armagh full back Francie Bellew is another expected to recover from a shoulder injury ahead of the game against Monaghan on May 14th. Bellew travelled with the rest of the panel to La Manga last week for warm-weather training in preparation for the championship.