Brian McEniff's Donegal side face Armagh on 31 August

Donegal defender Noel McGinley's hopes of playing against Armagh in next weekend's All-Ireland Semi-Final appear to be over after his appeal against a 12-week ban was turned down.

The suspension was imposed by the Donegal county board following his sending-off in a recent club game.

Ironically, McGinley was asked by Donegal boss Brian McEniff to line out for Glencolmcille in the game against Sean MacCumhaills.

McGinley has been troubled by a hamstring injury for several weeks and McEniff wanted the defender to get some match practice.

The Glencolmcille player didn't start against Galway but he is a valuable member of the Donegal squad and would have been almost certain to play a part against Armagh on 31 August.

Meanwhile, Limerick officials have denied reports that five of the senior hurling panel are not prepared to work under manager Dave Keane next season.

Keane took over from Eamon Cregan last year after guiding the county to three successive All-Ireland U21 titles.

However, his team made an early exit from this year's Championship and the campaign was affected by rows with Ciaran Carey and two other players pulling out of the panel.

Limerick county secretary Jimmy Hartigan dismissed reports of a split in the camp following press speculation.

"No player has contacted the Limerick County board in relation to players refusing to play under Dave Keane".