Down GAA manager Paddy Tally has seen his 12 week suspension for "Misconduct considered to have discredited the Association" reduced to 8 weeks.
The suspension was handed down after the county was reported to have organised a gathering of their panel which is currently banned by the GAA under strict Covid 19 guidelines.
The 8 week sanction was handed down by the Central Hearings Committee following a meeting last night and is due to begin when collective training within the GAA returns.
It will effectively see the Mourne men with out their manager for the majority of the league, as a 4 week preparation for the return of competitions is set to be followed by a condensed playing calendar for the league.
Tally has the option to appeal the decision, while Down have accepted the loss of 1 home game in the competition
Cork's Ronan Mc Carthy has also been handed a 12 week suspension for been involved in a team building gathering with the footballers and it is believed he is also appealing that sanction with no word back yet from the Central hearings committee.
