Tipperary considering appeal after Tommy Dunne’s 12-week suspension is confirmed

TIPPERARY GAA is considering a possible appeal after senior hurling coach Tommy Dunne was suspended for 12 weeks by the Central Hearings Committee.

Reports suggest Dunne is expected to continue to appeal his case, but Tipperary Borough Council secretary Tim Floyd, when asked by Independent.ie, simply said: ‘We have received the notice and are considering it, but we have not done so a decision.”

The respected coach, who became Hurler of the Year in 2001 after guiding Tipp to All-Ireland glory, suffered the wrath of referee Johnny Murphy earlier this month during Munster SHC’s opening defeat by Waterford.

Dunne was shown a red card just before the start of the second half at Walsh Park. He was subsequently reported for a Category V infraction, which involves ‘threatening’ towards a match official and carries a minimum sentence of 12 weeks, rather than the less serious Category III infraction, ‘offensive language’.

The Toomevara man unsuccessfully challenged his proposed ban at a CHC hearing last night. He now has the opportunity to bring his case before the Central Complaints Commission and also before the Dispute Settlement Board.

A 12-week punishment would effectively strip tips manager Colm Bonnar of his coaching pal for the remnants of their championship campaign. In theory, he could still return to the backroom team for an All-Ireland final on July 17, but the premier is already on the verge of elimination after losing his first two Munster games to Waterford and Clare.

They must travel to Limerick on Sunday, the two-time All-Ireland champions in a row, knowing that nothing short of a win will suffice.