Red faces as Rebels get credit
As thousands of Kingdom fans rushed onto the field to celebrate their four points victory over the Rebels, the giant scoreboard situated at the Stadium’s Canal End flashed the message: “Comhghairdeas Corcaigh, GAA Football All-Ireland champions 2009.”
Moments later it was replaced by: “Comhghairdeas Chiarrai, GAA Football All-Ireland champions 2009.”
Croke Park sources last night admitted the error, captured in this photograph by Andrea Reichstein, was ‘unfortunate’.
A source explained: “In situations like this the screen operators have three options or slides, congratulations for each team and then a notice in the event of a draw. Obviously the wrong slide was put up. It was an unfortunate mistake.”
Meanwhile Croke Park Stadium Director Peter McKenna admitted he was ‘annoyed’ at the pitch incursion which followed Sunday’s final.
McKenna said: “The story hasn’t changed. I am annoyed that fans ran out onto the pitch to celebrate the Kerry win. It is inherently dangerous and has implications for supporters and for the pitch itself. I think we managed it very well and the barrier at the front of the Hogan Stand helped relieve a lot of pressure on the gardaí and stewards when the Sam Maguire was being presented.”
However the presentation of the Tom Markam Cup to the victorious All-Ireland MFC champions Armagh was held in the centre of the field, to McKenna’s delight.
“I was very pleased with the minor presentations. The fireworks and the format were tremendous. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come.”
Meanwhile McKenna reported the pitch was ‘fine’ ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Ladies’ final and the World Cup Group Eight qualifiers against world champions, Italy, and Montenegro on October 10 and October 14 respectively.
“We undertook some remedial work yesterday but it will be in good shape for the ladies finals.”
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