DIARMUID CONNOLLY

is now walking a disciplinary tight-rope after picking up a second black card inside a week last Sunday.

If he receives one more – or is sent off in a game for a double yellow card infraction – he will face a one-match ban. But here is the beauty, if that occurs his slate is wiped clean and he could start all over again. Now, Connolly, left, could do worse than take his medicine with another black card at the start of the Leinster championship – where his absence will not come at a price – just to be sure that he has a clear run at the business end of the summer.

It makes sense for him and it also makes a mockery out of a law that deserves no better.