SUSPENSION LOOMS FOR BIG JIM NFL DOMINATES LEAGUE COVERAGE
points for the win. However, Armagh won’t get the points as they didn’t appeal the result of the game as the proposed penalty arose after an Ulster Council investigation.
Mcguinness (right) can request a hearing to contest the penalty, which would see him barred from the sideline for Donegal’s first five Division 2 National Football League games – if the suspension applies from yesterday, which is likely to be the case.
It is likely that Donegal GAA chiefs, who were uncontactable last night, will leave the decision on a hearing up to Mcguinness himself.
Under the rule concerned, Mcguinness may also be prohibited from “managing, directing, assisting, or communicating with the team in any way during the period of the time-based suspension.”
It is understood that the breach of regulation was a mistake and not an attempt to bend the rules.
Former Donegal All-ireland winner Eamon Mcgee believes Mcguinness will opt to go to a hearing: “In terms of what impact it has, his main impact is on the training field and the drive he brings.
“He’ll obviously still be able to have some input on game day. The hard work will be done for the game day.
“It’s not ideal. It wouldn’t have been in his prep. I’d imagine they will appeal it.”
Speaking about Roarty after the Armagh game, Mcguinness said: “I thought the young lads all did very well, Finbarr in particular.
“For 17, it’s hard to believe. He hasn’t even trained with his club at senior level yet he’s pulling on the jersey to make his debut at county level.”
KARL O’KANE
BY
RTE have unveiled their choice of eight live National League games for 2024 – with football accounting for six of the plum ties on offer.
Just two hurling league games will be screened, in a move which is sure to annoy small ball fans.
But, it is another indicator of the perceived gap in competitiveness between the leagues in the two codes.
The national broadcaster opens with coverage of Mickey Harte’s Division 1 debut as Derry boss on Saturday, January 27.
Harte’s Oak Leafers face a baptism of fire in Tralee on their return to Division 1 after eight years, as they face Kerry in a repeat of last year’s All-ireland semi-final.
The following weekend it’s the turn of All-ireland champions, Dublin and Mayo in Castlebar.
RTE’S league hurling coverage begins the next weekend (February 10 on RTE 2) when Cork host Kilkenny.
Dublin and Mayo footballers feature three times apiece, with Kerry and Derry screened twice.
The counties who feature once are Tyrone and Galway (both football), Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Tipperary (all hurling).
Highlights show, ‘League Sunday’ returns on January 28.
FULL RTE LEAGUE GAA SCHEDULE
Saturday, January 27: NFL Div 1 – Kerry v Derry, 5pm at Austin Stack Park
Saturday, February 3: NFL Div 1 – Mayo v Dublin, 7.30pm at Machale Park
Saturday, February 10: NHL Div 1A – Cork v Kilkenny, 7.30pm at Pairc Ui Chaoimh Saturday, February 17: NFL Div 1 – Kerry v Mayo, 7.30pm at Austin Stack Park Saturday, February 24: NFL Div 1 – Tyrone v Mayo, 5.15pm at Healy Park
Saturday, March 2: NFL Div 1- Derry v Dublin, 5pm at Celtic Park
Saturday, March 9: NHL Div 1B – Limerick v Tipperary, 7.35pm at the Gaelic Grounds Saturday, March 16: NFL Div 1 – Galway v Dublin, 3.25pm at Pearse Stadium