MONAGHAN MANAGER Séamus McEnaney has expressed disappointment with comments made by Derry manager Damien Cassidy and has confirmed that Tommy Freeman intends to contest his eight-week suspension with the Central Appeals Committee.

Cassidy, without actually naming Monaghan midfielder Dick Clerkin, described the provocation of Fergal Doherty in the recent Ulster championship match as “insidious” and “constant”.

Derry are believed to have used extensive video footage from the game to convince the Central Hearings Committee to halve the eight-week suspensions of Doherty and Brian Mullan this week. The CHC upheld Freeman’s initial eight-week sanction.

“We are appealing the Tommy Freeman suspension to the CAC,” confirmed McEnaney.

“What surprised me, having never criticised another managers players in 20 years of management, was that Damien Cassidy felt the need to talk negatively about one of our players.”

Cassidy, quoted in yesterday's Irish News, also alleged that the media coverage contributed to the suspensions being handed down after the provincial quarter-final at Celtic Park on May 24th.

McEnaney added: “The loss of Tommy is a test of character and a test of our panels’ strength in depth but we will be driving on and intend to be in the championship when Tommy returns.”

Another incident has arisen in Derry following a broken jaw sustained by James Kielt playing for the Kilrea club against inter-county team-mate James Conway’s Ballinderry on June 7th.

The county board stated yesterday that the referee report had yet to be received, but an investigation into Conway’s involvement in the incident was forthcoming.

Kielt has been ruled out of the Ulster semi-final against Tyrone on June 21st. Conway didn’t feature against Monaghan, but has been an established member of Cassidy’s panel.

Meanwhile, the Leinster under-21 hurling championship final between Dublin and Kilkenny is scheduled for Parnell Park on Wednesday, July 15th.