McKenna: ‘we didn’t get fair play from referee’
He had a major problem with the third of Kilkenny’s third goal — in the 21st minute of the second half — which more or less decided the outcome.
It was, he said, a “dubious decision” from a referee whom he felt didn’t give them “fair play”. The decision he was referring related to Kilkenny forward Martin Comerford allegedly dropping his hurley before making the pass which led to Eoin Larkin placing Henry Shefflin for the goal which put the holders six points clear. Commenting that his team was “right in it” up to the time of the goal, McKenna elaborated: “It was a really dubious decision. We were very disappointed with that decision. We felt it was a free out. The goal made it difficult for us after we had worked so hard.
“We thought on the day he (referee Diarmuid Kirwan) wasn’t good. We didn’t get fair play. We hope we get fair play in the championship and I hope Tipperary get fair play. That’s all you can ask for.”
However, on balance McKenna didn’t dispute Kilkenny’s right to be champions, saying that while his team had played “very well for long periods,” Kilkenny deserved to win in the end. He acknowledged that the saves made by James McGarry in the first half — “he’s a top-class goalie” — had a significant influence on the outcome.
On the positive side, he’s delighted with the progress made by the team.
“They are full of confidence. Obviously they are disappointed now, but we were up against one of the top teams — Kilkenny and Cork are right up there. It was a big occasion for our lads, but they handled it very well. They played well. You’d have to be very proud of them.
“Kilkenny are used to winning the League and obviously it would have meant a lot to us to win. But, it’s all about heart and support and confidence — and we have that in abundance.
Co-selector Liam Lenihan was also upbeat, commenting: “Compared to this time last year, our progress has been huge. All we want to do now is to carry on this progress into the championship. This day two weeks will be hugely important for us.
“Today Kilkenny scored the goals and we had a few chances but didn’t get any. But they are princes of hurling. We gave it a hundred% effort, as regards commitment and effort. You could not fault the lads.”
*Defender Mark Foley could be a doubt for the championship game against Tipperary, having been forced off late in the second half yesterday with a groin problem. “It looks a problem at the moment, but we’ll know more in a day or two,” said McKenna.
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