Kildare have received a huge boost ahead of their round four Championship qualifier against Armagh.
Midfielder Kevin Feely, Kildare's best player in the Leinster final against Dublin, is free to play after having one of three black cards received his season rescinded.
Feely reached the three black card limit this year when he was shown one by referee Anthony Nolan during last weekend's game against Dublin. Prior to last night's successful hearing, that would have meant him serving a one-match ban, making him unavailable for the game against Armagh on July 29th.
In a statement released by the GAA last night, it was revealed that Feely sought to have two of the three black cards lifted - the one shown to him against Dublin and another one from a league game against Clare back in March.
Feely was unsuccessful in his attempt to have the card received against Dublin rescinded. However, he was successful in an attempt have the card received four months ago against Clare removed from his record.
An Lár Choiste Cheannais na gComórtaisí (Central Competitions Control Committee) took Disciplinary Action against Caoimhin Ficheallaigh alleging a breach of Riail 7.2 (b) Category II T.O. 2017, that is to say "Cynical Behaviour Infraction", his third such Infraction in the same year in the National Football League, the Inter-County Senior Football Championship or in a combination of both Competitions.
Caoimhin Ficheallaigh requested a Hearing which took place on 16ú Iúil disputing two of the three Category II Infractions on his Disciplinary Record, those being the Black Cards received on 16ú Iúil 2017, in the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship and on the 26ú Marta 2017 in the Allianz Football League. An Lár Choiste Cheannais na gComórtaisí (Central Hearings Committee) found the Infraction which was alleged to have occurred on 16ú Iúil proven, but the one alleged to have occurred on 26ú Marta not proven and that his record be amended accordingly.
Caoimhin Ficheallaigh has the option of appealing against the decision of An Lár Choiste Éisteachta relating to the 16ú Iúil infraction, to the Central Appeals Committee.
Down's Kevin McKernan was also successful in an attempt to have a black card received during his side's Ulster final defeat to Tyrone rescinded.
Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
