Pensioner’s pitch protest ends game

AN underage Limerick gaelic football final ended in chaos after an elderly woman invaded the pitch.

Minutes after the agitated pensioner stopped play in the under-16 county final, mayhem descended on the game played at Creagh, with parents and players wading into each other.

Newcastle West were coasting to what seemed an easy victory holding a 10-point lead over Mungret.

However, a late rally by the Limerick city team cut the deficit to three points.

Then with the last play of the game Mungret forward Stephen White blasted to the net from 30 yards gaining a dramatic equaliser.

Newcastle West, however, claimed there had been a foul and a free out should have been given and the goal disallowed.

One spectator said: “At this stage an elderly woman marched onto the pitch to protest at the goal. Play was stopped as the ball could not be kicked out due to her protest on the pitch. It was obvious she was not a happy gran. When the ball was eventually kicked out the ref blew for full time.”

At the final whistle, supporters descended on the pitch and a number of fracas flared involving players, parents and fans.

Newcastle West officials claimed one of their players was assaulted by a Mungret adult.

After the match hostilities developed and efforts were made to “settle the score” with the Mungret man who trenchantly denied assaulting anybody.

A full investigation has been ordered by the Juvenile County Board.

There was some speculation yesterday that a replay may not take place due to the flare-up last Saturday.