Loughrea to appeal late sending off in semi-final win

LOUGHREA manager Tommy Kelly says they'll appeal the nightmare red card that rules Cullen Killeen out of the All-Ireland final.

- BY PAUL KEANE

The teenage midfielder was Man of the Match at Parnell Park but blotted his copybook with a stoppage time dismissal.

Experienced referee Johnny Murphy reckoned that Killeen, brother of club and county star Tiernan, lashed out with the hurl after a tangle with Derry great Brendan Rogers.

Back-to-back Galway champions Loughrea were 14 points clear at that stage and on the verge of a perfect afternoon.

They'd turned on the style in the second-half to secure their first final since losing to Shamrocks in 2007.

But as things stand they'll be missing Killeen for the January final against 2022 champions Ballygunner due to suspension.

Asked if Loughrea will appeal, a clearly frustrated Kelly said: "Oh 100 percent, 100 percent. He was my Man of the Match there today, he was fantastic. He was absolutely outstanding.