Good to be back

Westmeath midfielder Rory O'Connell last night expressed his delight in the wake of his successful High Court action which made him eligible to play in the county's first Leinster football final in 55 years.

"I am very happy and have been training all along so I'm available to play on Sunday. I never gave up all hope because I've had some very good advisers," said a relieved O'Connell.

"Considering the present refereeing standards I'm not surprised that it was overturned. It was also down to Paschal Kellaghan, who gave his word in a sworn letter. I felt the GAA were trying to make an example of me.

"I don't think I will be starting on Sunday, as it would be unfair to the lads who have been there all along, but if I can get in at some stage, maybe half-time, I would be delighted."

O'Connell admitted he had contemplated walking away from the inter-county stage as a result of the original three-month ban for an alleged stamping offence that would have kept him out of championship action this year unless Westmeath made it to at least the All-Ireland semi-finals.

Team selector and county secretary Paddy Collins was also thrilled with yesterday's decision, especially considering Westmeath were resigned to losing one of their key players, who was their first All Star, in 2001.

"We're very happy to be able to pick Rory in the panel. Any county in the country would be happy to pick a player of his calibre. He has not missed one session since the incident occurred."

Westmeath will name their starting 15 this evening. Gary Dolan had been filling in for the highly-rated O'Connell but one thing for certain is the county's hand has just become a lot stronger.

In a dramatic turnaround, the player who is still the county's only ever All-Star had a 12-week suspension for stamping overturned after Justice O'Leary granted a interlocutory injunction restraining the GAA from imposing the suspension pending the full trial of the action.

O'Connell was banned by the Games Administration Committee (GAC) after an incident with Offaly's Paschal Kelleghan in the first round championship tie on May 23rd, which resulted in a straight red card for O'Connell.

O'Connell had vehemently denied the charge.