ALL STAR David Fitzgerald is set to miss Clare’s first outing of this year’s championship.
Fitzgerald was issued with a one match ban after receiving a red card in Clare’s Allianz National Hurling League draw with Cork.
Following the red card issued by Thomas Walsh and a subsequent appeal by Clare GAA, the Central Hearings Committee have upheld the proposed suspension.
It means Fitzgerald will miss the crucial first round tie against Tipperary in Cusack Park on April 23rd.
Clare GAA can pursue the case to the Central Appeals Committee to try get the Inagh/Kilnamona available for selection.
However GAA chiefs have pointed to the striking or attempted striking with minimal force in the altercation with Cork’s Robert Downey as reason to stand by Walsh’s decision.
