TYRONE'S chances of a successful start to the defence of their Ulster senior football crown against Down on Sunday week were dealt a considerable blow yesterday, with the news that Pascal Canavan has been ruled out through suspension.
A two-month ban has been imposed on the versatile Canavan, whose brother Peter captains the side. Canavan (Pascal) was sent to the line by Dublin referee Adrian Walsh during last month's hotly contested Division One relegation play-off with Cavan.
Canavan's suspension was doubled to two months because he had been sent off for a similar offence, alleged striking, within a two-season period. The opposing full backs sent to the line in that game, Cavan's Ciarain Brady and Tyrone's Paul O'Neill each received a one-month ban.
With Sean McLaughlin also serving a suspension arising from a club game, plus a surfeit of injuries, it means that Tyrone manager Danny Ball's options have been severely restricted.
But it is understood that forwards Brian Dooher (although yet to train) and Gerard Cavlan, have both recovered from injuries.
Meanwhile, Meath have made two changes on the side that beat Kerry in the under-21 football semi-final for Sunday's decider with Derry in Clones. Stephen Carolan comes into the defence, while senior star Barry Callaghan returns to competitive football after a long lay-off.
The Tipperary selectors introduce five newcomers to championship football for their opening round tie with Limerick on Sunday. They are: goalkeeper Mick Quinlivan, corner back Bernard Hahessy, wing back David Kennedy and wing forwards Darren O'Connell and James Williams.
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