Westmeath manager Brendan Lowry was last night cleared to take charge of his team for tomorrow's game against Leitrim in Mullingar after his appeal to the GAA's management committee against a six-month ban was upheld during their meeting at Croke Park.

The suspension was imposed on Lowry by the Leinster Council last month after he was involved in incidents during the O'Byrne Cup final, in which Longford beat Westmeath.