Westmeath midfielder Rory O'Connell, a 2001 All-Star, is to make a last ditch attempt to overturn his 12-week suspension in the High Court and make himself available for the Lake county's first Leinster SFC final for 55 years.
The High Court date has been set for next Monday, July 12, just six days before the Croke Park final against current champions Laois.
O'Connell was banned after being found guilty of stamping on Offaly attacker Pascal Kellaghan in his county's Leinster first round victory over Offaly on May 23.
The Athlone clubman initially lost an appeal with the GAC against his suspension, but his legal route is being funded by a number of local businesses.
The overall cost being estimated at anywhere as much as €20,000. The decision is thought to have been merited, having considered the case of Longford's David Barden, who successfully challenged his sending off in a club tournament match two months ago.
Filed by Rob Wright
