You have got to admire the persistence…

With just over 24 hours to go until the sold-out replay between Mayo and Dublin, the Metropolitans have continued their attempts to rid Diarmuid Connolly of the chains of suspension.

Following the decision by the Central Hearings Committee to reject an appeal just twenty-four hours ago, the county board decided to take their battle to the Central Appeals Committee late Thursday night. As expected, Connolly’s ban was upheld once more.

Connolly’s minute chances of lining out at Croker on Saturday seem to have all but evaporated and Dublin will have to plan without the St. Vincent’s man.

Although there is one avenue of appeal left for the Dublin County Board, the Disputes Resolution Authority, one would hope they begin to focus on the more pressing issue of a matchup with a strong Mayo side. While it is unclear whether Dublin will pursue this route or not, one wonders if the uncertainty surrounding Connolly has had a detrimental effect on the squad’s preparations.

Luckily, we’ll find out at 5pm in Croker on Saturday.