Top ref Marty in freak accident

TOP inter-county referee Marty Duffy suffered a major scare last weekend when a freak accident during a Sligo club game left him temporarily blind in one eye.

The incident occurred during a senior league game between Coolera-Strandhill and Curry.

Duffy, who refereed the 2001 and 2002 Ladies All-Ireland finals, was hit by the ball in the eye following a clearance by Sligo’s Karol O’Neill.

The Enniscrone native was taken to Sligo General Hospital.

He was discharged late on Saturday, but has returned for treatment this week. The impact burst a blood vessel behind his eye and caused temporary blindness.

Duffy was advised to remain at home for the week and won’t be refereeing for at least two weeks.

“It’s the scariest thing that has ever happened me on a football pitch,” said Duffy.

“It was Monday before sight returned to my eye, but the specialist assures me that full sight will return within a couple of days.”