Referee Brian Gavin will be free to officiate in Sunday's All-Ireland hurling semi-final between Kilkenny and Waterford after he was cleared of verbally abusing a referee in a club match last month.

Gavin had been recommened for for a month ban following a complaint made against him by a fellow referee but having opted for a hearing he was cleared by the Offaly CHC.

The hearing was due to take place next week allowing him to take charge at Croke Park on Sunday.

However, at the request of the GAA, the hearing was moved forward. Gavin was cleared at the hearing last night, and he could also be in line to referee September’s All-Ireland final.