AT the final whistle a great roar erupted from thousands of Leeside throats and rumbled around Semple Stadium. But only at the final whistle.

It would be the perfect way to mark a significant milestone.

Castlehaven 0-16 Nemo Rangers 1-11

Referees chief Pat McEnaney said provincial councils will be advised to appoint established referees to January’s pre-season games as a means of ensuring a smoother bedding-in process for the black card.

HEINEKEN CUP POOL SIX:

Galway 1-19 Wexford 1-21

SSE AIRTRICITY PREMIER DIVISION

YEARS ago, caught up in rush-hour traffic on a bus, I was thrust up against a warring young couple.

Devotees of the traditional championship structure probably woke today with a thumping headache.

Italy are deservedly through to the semi-final of the European Championship after a dramatic penalty shoot-out, and how they celebrated after this captivating quarter-final in Kiev.

They ultimately claimed victory but Kerry’s opening championship salvo was rather low-key and lacklustre in Semple Stadium yesterday.

Bride Rovers 2-13 Cloyne 2-12

Bishopstown 1-13 Ballymartle 0-12

As they waited to enter the Donegal dressing-room last Sunday to congratulate the victors, members of the Cork backroom could hear the voice of opposing manager Jim McGuinness behind the door.

Na Piarsaigh 1-15 Newtownshandrum 1-11

What might happen if football’s top referees, across the continent, walked away?

A vastly superior Youghal outfit inflicted a humiliating defeat on Tracton in this one-sided Premier IHC meeting at Caherlag on Saturday.

NOW this is the kind of Eurozone contagion we can all handle.

THE All-Ireland football final. 82,300 spectators. The final whistle.

COMING up to two years on from the hand that rocked the world, and there’s still no getting away from it.