Vaughan’s red card rescinded

Crusheen’s chances of winning the Clare senior hurling title have received a massive boost with the news that one of their key players, Pat Vaughan, is available for the game.

The former Clare captain was dismissed on a straight red card by match olfficial Ambrose Heagney, a minute before the end of the first half, in their semi-final with Clonlara. Dismissal on a straight red card carries an automatic one match ban at the same grade and in the same competition.

Vaughan and Crusheen requested a hearing and on Monday night they put their case to the county hearings committee. On Tuesday morning they were informed that the red card had been rescinded.

“We are pleased with the decision as we believe that it wasn’t a red card in the first place”, Crusheen manager, John Carmody said on Tuesday.

Vaughan has played a central role in the club’s progress to this final and he was also a key figure when they won back to back titles in 2010 and 2011. His availability for Sunday is certainly a huge boost, particularly as team members Alan Brigdale, Jamie Fitzgibbon and Joe Meaney are struggling with injury.

By Seamus Hayes