Mullane: two fingers bad, three goals good

JOHN MULLANE is likely to escape any sanction for his two-fingered gesture to the Cork supporters after he had scored the third of his goals in Sunday’s Munster hurling final.

Any question of the De La Salle player being disciplined would be a matter for the GAC to examine, but this is considered improbable.

Munster Council chairman Christy Cooney expressed the view that while it would have been better if it hadn't happened, he felt it was done 'in the heat of the moment' and shouldn't deflect from his outstanding display.

"It would be a pity if something like this were blown out of proportion in relation to the whole atmosphere, which was a wonderful occasion for everybody and a contest which was extremely sporting,'' said Mr. Cooney.

"People do things that maybe they shouldn't, but they happen. But, the same player gave a marvellous individual performance, as good as we have seen in any Munster final.''

Waterford manager Justin McCarthy agreed that the incident wasn't serious. "It was an intimidating place to be up there in that square with thousands behind you, all in red and to get those goals! I think people would like to play down his performance now and I'm not going to do that.

"He got three goals and two points and I would have to give him the highest praise. He got wonderful scores. If a Cork player got three goals in a game like that, you'd never hear the end of it. John Mullane actually ignited the final, in a way. He brought that bit of glamour and that explosion of excitement.''

For the record, he was the first player to score three goals in a Munster final since current Cork selector Sean O'Leary got four in the 1982 decider against Waterford a game in which manager Donal O'Grady came in as a substitute and Justin McCarthy was a selector with Cork.