*David Fitzgerald. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’S senior hurlers will be without David Fitzgerald for their opening outing in this year’s Munster SHC.
Fitzgerald’s red card issued in Clare’s final outing of the Allianz National Hurling League against Cork was upheld by the GAA’s Central Appeals Committee. The CAC’s judgement was announced on Tuesday night.
Clare GAA had previously appealed the suspension to the Central Hearings Committee. They still have the option to lodge a further appeal to the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) but this move is said to be unlikely given the lack of success on both attempts to clear the Inagh/Kilnamona man to date.
Head of Operations, Deirdre Murphy had put forward the case for the initial appeal to the CHC.
It means Brian Lohan will be without one of his key players for what is expected to be a keenly contested clash with the Premier County now managed by Liam Cahill. The first round is scheduled to take place in Cusack Park on April 23rd.
Waterford referee Thomas Walsh issued Fitzgerald with a red card and in his match report cited striking or attempted striking with minimal force as rationale behind his decision to dismiss the All Star.
The GAA’s Central Appeals Committee have upheld Clare hurler David Fitzgerald’s red card against Cork. DRA option still open but he will miss their Munster championship opener against Tipperary as it stands #GAA
— Jason Byrne (@moseyb86) April 4, 2023
