O'Brien wins 'biting' allegation appeal
Dublin's Kevin O'Brien has successfully appealed his three-match ban for allegedly biting Donegal's Paddy McBrearty during the sides' recent Allianz Football League match in Ballybofey.
The GAA's Central Hearings Committee (CHC) met last night and a decision was taken that on the basis of evidence provided and the submissions made on behalf of both parties, the infraction against O'Brien, as alleged, was not proven.
It means that the defender is available to play in Dublin's Division 1 final clash with Tyrone at Croke Park this Sunday, and will also be free to line out in their opening two Championship matches.
The process had been ongoing for three weeks, but speaking yesterday morning Dublin manager Jim Gavin was happy with how the investigation was being conducted.
"The big thing with the Gaelic Athletic Association is that we're all volunteers, from most of the administrators to the players and the coaching and managerial staff," Gavin stated.
"They are giving freely of their time for the process, so that just takes as long as it takes.
"Whatever about other sporting organisations that are professional, the way they do their business is of no real concern of mine.
"I'm a Gael and what means most to me is what the Gaelic Athletic Association does and the whole bedrock of the Association was founded on volunteerism.
"It has been in the past and it always will be, and as I said I concur with the director general's statement that he's satisfied with the process and so am I."
Donegal forward McBrearty had to be treated at half-time by Donegal medics for a laceration of his shoulder, following a first half incident involving the two players on Sunday, April 7.
After the game, he was taken to Letterkenny General Hospital where he received a tetanus shot and was prescribed a course of antibiotics.
