Fitzgerald wins appeal against 12-month ban

Michael Fitzgerald has won his appeal against the 12-month suspension imposed on him following claims that his club, Kilmallock, fielded an illegal player in a recent championship game at under-12 level.

At a meeting of the Limerick county board yesterday evening, it was agreed to accept the recommendation from the GAC that the appeals of both Fitzgerald and the Kilmallock club secretary John O'Donnell against the suspension imposed on them be upheld on the grounds that the South Board did not correctly apply the rules.

Mr Fitzgerald said he was looking forward to continuing his role as selector with the Limerick senior hurling team and also as treasurer of the county board.

The GAC have, however, handed down a three-match sideline ban to Cork's football manager Larry Tompkins, arising from pitch incursions during the Munster final on July 15th. Tompkins has completed his latest two-year term at the Cork helm but it is understood he will accept another term if offered the opportunity.

The Castlehaven club member was cited for "repeated incursions on to the field of play contrary to regulations governing the organisation of championship games during the Munster final".

Sligo's Niall Carew, sent off in the football championship qualifier against Kildare on July 7th was given an eight-week suspension from the date of the match.

Sligo county board is set to extend Peter Ford's term as manager of the county football team. The former Mayo star's one-year contract officially ended after the county's exit from the All-Ireland championship last week.

Meanwhile, Derry dual stars SΘamus Downey and Emmett McKeever will be returning to Croke Park action for the first time since 1998 for next Sunday's All-Ireland senior hurling championship quarter-finals.

Downey has only recently rejoined the county's hurling panel but McKeever would have figured last year as captain of the Derry hurling team that went down to Offaly but for suspension.