Football: Lilywhites to appeal over subs.

Byline: By JACKIE CAHILL 

KILDARE county board officials will appeal after the GAA's Leinster Council allowed the result of the recent Bank of Ireland Leinster SFC clash with Offaly to stand.

Offaly won the game 3-9 to 0-15 - but the headlines were dominated all last week by the subsequent 'six subs' saga concerning Offaly forward Pascal Kellaghan.

Leinster Council originally referred the matter to the all-powerful Central Council, who handed it back to the provincial body on Saturday.

Leinster chiefs met and adopted the referee's match report, before allowing the result to stand.

Offaly insisted all along that they had broken no rules - but angry Kildare chiefs issued a statement last night.

It said: "The executive felt that they were left with no alternative but to initiate the appeals process, in light of the mandate given by the Special County Board meeting on Tuesday night."

"We wish to emphasise that this is being done to safeguard the integrity of the Rules of the Association, so that a definite ruling will be made and all units will be in a position to be fully compliant with it."

Meanwhile, Offaly boss Kevin Kilmurray has been boosted by the return of two key players to his panel. 1997 All-Star corner back Cathal Daly has decided to cut short a year out and Mark Daly, who opted out last year for personal reasons, is also back in the fold.

Both players will help to compensate for the long-term injuries picked up by Shane Sullivan and Colm Quinn in the Kildare match.

Cathal Daly created a massive stir earlier this year when he decided not to play any part in the 2006 season.

CAPTION(S):

KELLAGHAN: Controversy