Paddy McKeever will miss Armagh's next All-Ireland Qualifier

Armagh forward Paddy McKeever has been handed a four-week ban after being found guilty of striking Dublin's Darren Homan in last weekend's All-Ireland Qualifier.

The news means the Ballyhegan clubman will miss Armagh's next All-Ireland Qualifier which will be played either on 19/20 July on the following weekend.

However with the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals scheduled for the Bank Holiday weekend of 2/4 August, McKeever will be available for any last eight clash which Armagh would be involved in.

McKeever's case was heard by the GAA's Games Administration Council on Thursday night when Armagh officials did mount a defence of the player.

The incident happened off the ball but it is understood that Croke Park officials did manage to obtain video evidence of the incident which led to McKeever's dismissal

Armagh officials had indicated they were planning a strong defence of McKeever and that they were hoping to obtain further video evidence.

Antrim minor hurlers

McKeever was sent-off by Monaghan referee Pat McEnaney for striking Homan.

The red card was produced after McEnaney consulted with linesman Michael Collins.

Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton, who was also sent-off in the Croke Park qualifier, could be facing an even longer suspension but the GAC have not taken any decision yet on the case.

Mayo's Feargal Kelly of Mayo, who was sent in the Connacht final on Sunday last against Galway, has also been given a month's suspension and will miss the county's next qualifier.