GAA | McLaughlin available for O’Mahony’s after suspension is reduced

Ban reduced from 24-weeks to two games | O’Mahony’s have two points reinstated but fined €750

Keith McLaughlin has had his six-month ban reduced to a two-game suspension and the Sean O’Mahony’s have had two points reinstated after a successful appeal this week.

McLaughlin was hit with a mandatory 24-week suspension by the Louth CCC after appearing in the O’Mahonys’ win over Dundalk Gaels on the opening night of the Division One season four weeks ago. The Louth senior champions were also deducted two points for the indiscretion.

The CCC ruled that McLaughlin should not have played in the match due to his sending-off in last year’s Cardinal O’Donnell Cup semi-final clash with Dreadnots but the club received no official notice of the player’s suspension in the build up to the game.

McLaughlin was also sent-off in a league match against Naomh Mairtin and a Senior Championship game against Dundalk Gaels last year and served a two-game ban which saw him miss the championship final win against St Mary’s.

The O’Mahony’s appealed the CCC’s decision and after a hearing on Tuesday night McLaughlin’s suspension was reduced to two games, the points reinstated and a fine of €750 imposed on the Point Road club.

McLaughlin, however, will be available for tomorrow night’s visit to Newtown Blues after already serving his suspension in the O’Mahonys’ subsequent defeats to Clan na Gael and St Patrick’s.