Jim McGuinness: Donegal boss will not face eight-week ban after successful hearing

McGuinness has returned for a second spell in charge of Donegal

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness will not face an eight-week suspension for fielding an ineligible player in the Dr McKenna Cup after a hearing with Ulster GAA on Thursday.

Finbarr Roarty, then 17, featured in Donegal's win over Armagh last week.

GAA rules state that senior inter-county players have to be aged 18 by the start of the calendar year.

McGuinness will be on the sideline for Sunday's semi-final with Monaghan as he proposed ban was dismissed.

McGuinness had requested a hearing to the Ulster Council's hearings committee with Donegal saying on Friday that the committee found that "the alleged infraction was not proven".

"Following a request by Jim McGuinness to the Ulster hearings committee, the county secretary has been informed that the alleged infraction was not proven, and that no further disciplinary action is to be taken," a Donegal statement read.

"We can now look forward to our McKenna Cup semi-final against Monaghan on Sunday."

Naomh Conaill youngster Roarty, who has not played a senior game for his club, turned 18 on Thursday but competition rules for senior inter-county football state players must be 18 by the start of that calendar year to be eligible to play.

Donegal lost the points from their 3-16 to 1-6 win over Armagh last Wednesday, but the county did not appeal against that.

The points were not awarded to the Orchard County, however, as they did not appeal.

Despite losing their points, Donegal still progressed to the last four as group winners while Armagh were the best runner-up.

McGuinness was appointed as boss for a second time in August, having led them to All-Ireland title success in 2012 during his first spell in charge.

Roarty, who cannot play for the senior panel this season due to his age, had also been handed a two-week suspension.