Ulster Council to hear Jim McGuinness appeal over proposed suspension

The Ulster Council is expected to hold a hearing with Donegal manager Jim McGuinness on Thursday night.

McGuinness has challenged a proposed eight-week suspension, handed down for fielding an ineligible player in last week’s Dr McKenna Cup win over Armagh in Ballybofey.

Finbarr Roarty, a 17-year-old, played for Donegal in the 16-point win at Sean MacCumhaill Park.

While Naomh Conaill defender Roarty turned 18 on Thursday, GAA rules stipulate that a player must have celebrated their 18th birthday by the start of a calendar year to play senior-intercounty.

Donegal were docked the points for the win, but the victory was not awarded to Armagh, who did not query Roarty’s inclusion or lodge an appeal.

Donegal have decided not to challenge the points deduction. In any case, Donegal will feature in a semi-final against Monaghan this weekend.

However, McGuinness has chosen not to accept the proposed eight-week suspension - which could see him off the sideline for five Allianz League games - and has requested a hearing.

The Ulster Hearings Committee are expected to conduct a hearing on Thursday night.

Were that body to uphold the proposed suspension, McGuinness could then appeal to the Central Appeals Committee (CAC) while the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) also open to the Donegal boss.