Fr O'Neills set to appeal red cards

Fr O'Neill's are set to appeal the two red cards issued to their players in their AIB All Ireland Club Intermediate hurling championship semi final win over Tooreen.

Mark O'Keefe and Billy Dunne were sent off by referee Chris Mooney in the second half of their win, which means as things stand they'll miss the All Ireland Final on Saturday week against Tullaroan of Kilkenny. 

O'Neill's boss Dave Colbert told RedFM sport that it's hard to take for both his players

"I didn't see either of them, we're going to have to take a look at the video and see.

"It's crushing for the two boys involved to be, at this moment in time anyway, missing an All Ireland Final. Neither of them have ever been sent off in their lives.

"It's our first red card in three or four years, it's heartbreaking for the two boys.

"We'll have to take a look at the video and see if there's anything that can be done. We'll be looking in to it."

Despite playing most of the second half with 13 players, the East Cork side saw off the challenge of the Connacht champions Tooreen on a scoreline of 0-19 to 1-12, who themselves also had a player sent off. 

"It was a good clean game," said Colbert.

"The two teams went out to hurl. We're not going out to comment on the referee's decisions, because there's no point. What's done is done.

"We just have to get on now and prepare to be at our best and prepare for the All Ireland Final.

"We're thrilled with the win, thrilled with the performance and the character of our fellas to deal with that out there, to finish with 13 fellas and play against 15 for 20 minutes, it was remarkable. Serious character shown by the lads. 

"I was really proud of the boys the way they finished that out today."

O'Neill's will now prepare for the All Ireland final, and Colbert says they have to make the most of the opportunity.

"We'll prepare as best we can. Whatever way things turn out in the next two weeks we have to be ready.

"It's an All Ireland final in Croke Park. These are once in a lifetime things and we have to give it absolutely everything now to get a good result up there."