Armagh GAA have been dealt a huge blow as manager Kieran McGeeney has picked up a 12-week ban.
The punishment was handed out following an alleged verbal altercation with Joe McQuillan.
It came when the official turned out as linesman during the Orchard County’s crucial clash with Antrim GAA at the Athletic Grounds in March.
Armagh I understands the Armagh GAA county board challenged the decision but were overruled.
Promotion-hungry Armagh secured a two-point win over their Ulster rivals.
But McGeeney’s men lost out to Tipperary who landed a place in Division 2 courtesy of Michael Quinlivan’s goal in the last seconds.
The bad news comes just days after veteran Andy Mallon officially called it a day on his inter-county career.
McGeeney will not be on the sidelines for his side’s opening championship and will be unavailable until the Ulster final – should Armagh progress.
Armagh dealt major blow as manager, Kieran McGeeney to be hit with 12 week ban following verbal altercation with referee, Joe McQuillan#gaa
— Seán Perry (@perry_sean) April 25, 2017
Kieran McGeeney’s 12 week suspension arises from an incident when Joe McQuillan was linesman at Armagh v Antrim in March.
— Seán Perry (@perry_sean) April 25, 2017
