Conor McKenna has been cleared to line out for Tyrone in Sunday’s Ulster SFC quarter-final against Derry after having his red card against Fermanagh overturned.
The Eglish clubman was shown a straight red by referee Joe McQuillan in the closing stages of the preliminary round victory over Fermanagh in Brewster Park earlier this month.
The Red Hands saw off a determined challenge from the home side to eventually prevail 2-17 to 2-10 to set up a quarter-final meeting with Derry in O’Neills Healy Park this Sunday.
However, their win was overshadowed by McKenna’s dismissal after a minor scuffle at the end of the time with McQuillan issuing yellow cards to Fermanagh pair Ryan Lyons and Brandon Horan.
Immediately after the game, the Tyrone management indicated their intention to seek a hearing with the CHC (Central Hearings Committee).
McKenna’s case was due to be heard last Friday night, but it was postponed at the request of Croke Park.
Armagh had Rian O’Neill Aidan Nugent and Stefan Campbell cleared of ‘contributing to a melee’ from their League game against Donegal and the trio featured in Sunday’s seven-point loss in Ballyfofey.
McKenna made a huge impact for the Red Hands during an electric second-half performance - scoring 0-2 while his shot at goal was palmed in by Liam Rafferty after hitting the post.
His availability is a huge boost for Tyrone as they seek to progress to a provincial semi-final at the expense of their Sperrin rivals.
Sunday’s game is expected to come too quick for Mattie Donnelly, who is still out with a hamstring injury, but sibling Richie and 2021 All-Star Peter Harte should be available for selection.
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