Bray fails in appeal

Stephen Bray failed in his attempt to have the red card he received against Limerick downgraded to a second yellow and now looks certain to miss Sunday's All-Ireland quarter final clash with Mayo at Croke Park. The former All-Star was sent off in last Saturday's clash with the Munster side following an off-the-ball incident with Limerick's Mark O'Riordan. Bray received a red card but Meath sought to have it reduced to a yellow making him available for Sunday's encounter. The Meath delegation had no video evidence of the incident. Instead they used photographic stills to back up their appeal however, the GAA's Central Hearings Committee rejected their appeal last night (Thursday). Bray has still got the option of taking his case to the Central Appeals Committee and, if necessary, to the Disputes Resolution Authority although that is unlikey at this stage. Bray's absence will be massive loss for Meath going into their biggest game since the 2007 All-Ireland semi-final against Cork.