3 days ago
'Absolute disgrace' as wrong two-point calls made in dying minutes of GAA final
There was a massive controversy at the conclusion of a county senior league final on Sunday, as a couple of late misjudged two-pointers determined the result. Fermanagh powerhouses Derrygonnelly Harps were up against 2024 county champions Erne Gaels in the division one league final at Brewster Park.
The match was closely contested throughout, but Erne Gaels seemed to have the upper hand when they held a 0-12 to 0-8 lead with just 15 minutes left on the clock. Derrygonnelly managed to score a couple of two-pointers from outside the new scoring arc to narrow the gap, yet Erne Gaels still led by two with less than four minutes remaining.
Then came the moments of controversy that ultimately decided the outcome.
With just over three minutes left to play, Derrygonnelly's Jarlath Flanagan scored a point when the scoreboard read Derrygonnelly 0-13 Erne Gaels 0-15. The score was well within the two-point arc but was mistakenly given as a two-point score, thus tying the game.
In the final stages, as both teams fought desperately for a win, Derrygonnelly found themselves on the attack once more. With only two minutes of normal time left in the county final, towering midfielder Stephen McGullion gained possession in the left corner of the attack.
The former Fermanagh county player was closer to the two-point arc than the previous Harps score but was still within range and lofted over another point.
Once more, much to Erne Gaels' dismay, it was awarded as a two point score and that left the tally reading 0-17 to 0-15 to Derrygonnelly.
That was how it concluded in the end, and it left Derrygonnelly as Fermanagh Division One champions.
Stephen McGullion's brother Shane, an established county player himself, was captain and raised the trophy in the middle of the John Vesey stand for the Harps.
With the Fermanagh Championship just around the corner, it remains to be seen if Erne Gaels have the appetite for or the right to an appeal or a replay.
They are managed by Donegal 1992 All-Ireland winning hero Declan Bonner.
Seamus Ryder was part of the Erne Gaels team today, as well as being a recent manager of the side, and he said in response to video of the phantom two-pointers online: "Apparently lines hard to see. Camera 60 yards away had no issue."
One social media fan commented: "That's wild. With clear video evidence a reply should be called.
"Without a doubt it should be, it's a absolute disgrace," said another.
