Ward set to miss Kildare game after losing appeal

PJ Ward has been ruled out of Offaly"s Leinster senior championship clash against Kildare on May 24 after losing his appeal against an eight-week ban. The Shamrocks clubman appeared before the Central Hearings Committee in a bid to have his suspension lifted, but his efforts have proved unsuccessful. The ban was imposed on Ward by the Central Competitions Control Committee after he allegedly stamped on Limerick full-back Shane Gallagher during Offaly"s NFL Division 3 win on April 12. The former Westmeath player was red-carded by Leitrim referee Frank Flynn, but claimed he was merely trying to wriggle free of his marker. The full-forward used video evidence to support his case, but this failed to have the desired effect. It is understood that Ward won"t be taking his case to the Central Appeals Committee, and will so miss the showdown with the Lilywhites. Offaly are due to face Kildare in Portlaoise on Sunday, May 24.