Clonakilty's Dan Darragh cleared to play in Premier SFC semi-final after hearing

Clonakilty have been handed a major boost ahead of Saturday’s McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC semi-final after Dan Darragh was exonerated at a Monday night hearing in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with the committee ruling he had no case to answer. 

The defender is now free to make his debut in the big house when Clon face holders St Finbarr’s at 7pm.

Darragh had been sent off during a brief half-time flare-up in Clon’s quarter-final win over Newcestown in Dunmanway last Saturday week. 

The flashpoint, involving a handful of mentors, players and officials, resulted in a straight red card for Darragh and a black card for Newcestown forward David Buckley.

The outcome is a major relief for Clon, who played the entire second half of the quarter-final with 14 players yet still emerged 1-17 to 2-13 winners. 

With St Finbarr’s carrying considerable attacking depth, Clon were keen to ensure the matter was resolved well in advance of the semi-final.

With the issue now settled, Clonakilty can fully focus on Saturday’s showdown at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. 

Darragh’s exoneration restores balance and experience to a side that has shown resilience throughout the championship — and ensures the Armagh native’s first appearance in the big house arrives on one of the biggest nights of their season.