Cats and Cork poised to appeal suspensions

KILKENNY’S Conor Delaney and Cork’s Seamus Harnedy are free to play in tomorrow’s play-off game between the counties in Nowlan Park to determine which Division 1 group they play in next year.

But that leaves them suspended for their opening championship games in June when Cork play Tipperary and Kilkenny meet Dublin.

However, both counties are examining the rule (7.5c) which precludes a suspension from a regular match being served in a relegation or qualification play-off as it is not determined to be “same competition” and are expected to challenge it.

Neither Harnedy nor Delaney are expected to feature, clearing the way for a challenge at hearings level first and probably beyond on the basis that the game has neither relegation nor qualification at stake.

One of the counties was understood to be reluctant last week when asked about their potential participation in it and may not have pressed ahead with it if these suspensions could not be served. The winners will be in Division 1A, the losers in 1B.

Meanwhile, St Thomas’ have played down speculation of an injury to Galway panellist Éanna Burke that could rule him out of Sunday’s All-Ireland club hurling final.

A club spokesman said that they had heard the “rumours” but was satisfied that Burke was clear to play.