Dublin manager Tommy Lyons was taken to hospital at the weekend for tests. As a result he was unable to take charge of the team in yesterday's All-Ireland quarter-final draw against Donegal. Seán Moran reports

The news hummed around Croke Park at the start of the second double bill of matches over the bank holiday weekend. Feeling unwell on Saturday, Lyons was advised to go to hospital and he was kept in by the Blackrock Clinic who advised him not to attend the match. In his absence the remaining selectors took over, with Paul Caffrey assuming the role of manager for the day.

Dublin county secretary John Costello issued a statement at Croke Park yesterday, which said: "Tommy went to hospital and was detained overnight. He is undergoing medical examination and he was advised to miss the game today. I spoke to him shortly before we came to Croke Park. He was in great condition and wished the lads the best of luck but had every confidence in them. We wish him the very best and hope to have him back on the sideline soon in full health."

Dublin's replay with Donegal takes place on Saturday week and Costello said that the county was optimistic that the manager would be able to resume his duties for that fixture, the venue for which has yet to be finalised.

He was emphatic when asked if the episode might have implications for Lyons's long-term role with the team.

"I don't think so whatsoever. It was just stomach pains. He was detained in hospital, probably because it was the bank holiday and they didn't want to let him out. It'll probably be tomorrow morning before they can make a proper diagnosis."

Lyons was allowed watch the match in hospital but Costello didn't believe that he had been in contact with his selectors during the match. "Not that I am aware of."

Caffrey gave his reaction after the match. "Tommy's a great manager and it was obviously a great shock to us, but we've all jobs to do so we put our heads down and got on with it. We were hoping to give him something to put a smile on his face but he'll only have a smirk now."

The team had a session and team meeting on Sunday night and the manager wasn't present. There was no training on Saturday.

Lyons is in his first season managing Dublin and has already achieved great success, winning the county's first Leinster title in seven years and taking the team to within a few seconds of an All-Ireland semi-final, an achievement that might yet be realised.