A great morning to be from Kildare or Down.
The two Kevins, Kevin Feely from Kildare, and Kevin McKernan from Down have both been cleared to play in their county’s next games against Armagh and Monaghan respectively.
Feely had received two black cards in Kildare’s league campaign, and a third one last Sunday against Dublin, were to rule him out of their next round qualifier against Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh.
Three accumulated black cards lead to a one game suspension under the GAA rules.
The result of the hearing was that Feely’s black card from the Dublin game stands, but that a black card he received earlier in the year against Clare, on March 26 has been rescinded.
The reason that a card, which was issued over three months ago, is only being analysed by an appeal now, is that the GAA only allow black cards to be appealed against if a player has accumulated three leading to a suspension.
This is in order to prevent a build-up of appeals.
Hearing 2 of 2 – Kevin Feely (Kildare) pic.twitter.com/Fub8zfLabI
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 20, 2017
Feely gave a masterclass in midfield against Dublin, claiming three marks and displaying phenomenal aerial prowess over Brian Fenton.
His addition for the Armagh game will be huge for Cian O’Neill’s side.
The Down man had his black card that he received against Monaghan rescinded, and the result of this hearing means that he will now be available when the sides meet again in the qualifier stages on July 29.
Hearing 1 of 2 – Kevin McKernan (Down) pic.twitter.com/zmY2cw6EZi
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 20, 2017
Both men had their appeal held by the Central Hearings Committee in Croke Park late on Thursday night.
