O’Neill’s one match ban upheld

RIAN O’Neill will play no part in Armagh’s clash with Galway in Carrick-on-Shannon this weekend as his one-match ban has been upheld.

Armagh’s attempt to have O’Neill’s suspension rescinded has proven unsuccessful following a hearing with the CCCC last night.

O’Neill was red carded in the first half of Armagh’s two-point defeat to arch-rivals Tyrone in the second round of the All-Ireland series.

The Orchard’s joint-captain collided with Tyrone wing back Cormac Quinn and received his marching orders from referee Martin McNally.

O’Neill’s absence will be a huge blow for Kieran McGeeney side as the Crossmaglen sharpshooter is Armagh’s top scorer for the season.

Galway defeated Armagh in last years epic All-Ireland quarter-final encounter, which was decided by a penalty shootout.

O’Neill landed a monster free kick to drag the game to extra time and still the sides couldn’t be separated after an additional 20 minutes of action.

More recently, Galway gained the upper hand when the sides met in the league with a late Matthew Tierney goal securing them a 1-8 to 1-6 win.