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Tipperary midfielder George Hannigan. Donall Farmer/INPHO
Setback

Tipp without key midfielder for promotion clash with Louth as red card appeal ruled out

George Hannigan was sent off against Offaly last Sunday.

TIPPERARY WON’T BE appealing against George Hannigan’s red card from last Sunday’s Allianz Football League victory over Offaly.

Midfielder Hannigan was dismissed along with Offaly’s Michael Brazil following a first half fracas – and he’ll now miss next Sunday’s vital promotion clash with Louth at Semple Stadium.

Tipp were considering an appeal but after reviewing video evidence, they’ve decided not to pursue that course of action.

Manager Liam Kearns confirmed: “We won’t be appealing against George Hannigan’s red card, he’s going to accept his punishment. It’s a one-match ban.”

Hannigan’s absence is a blow to Tipp ahead of the visit of the Wee County, with promotion the carrot for the hosts if they can claim a fifth victory from six Division 3 outings.

Shane Stapleton and manager Liam Kearns Tipperary manager Liam Kearns pictured with coach/selector Shane Stapleton (left). James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

But Kearns is concerned that a heavy recent schedule could count against the Premier County – as they face into a third match in as many weekends.

Armagh are up next on the following Sunday and if Tipp do claim promotion, they’ll face a fifth match in five weekends, in a divisional final at Croke Park.

Kearns said last night: “We’re concerned that Louth is our third game in a row.

“It’s a huge game because if we win, we’re promoted but if we lose, it could cost us promotion.”

Tipp were hampered when their original fixture with Longford was postponed by a week.

And Kearns added: “Louth have an advantage as it’s only their second game in a row, and it’s our third. They won’t be as weary as we are, they don’t have two games in a row in their legs.”

Corner back Colm O’Shaughnessy will be available for selection next weekend, Kearns revealed, as Tipp go in search of a fourth successive League win.

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