O’Grady: Bennett comments out of order

LIMERICK boss Donal O’Grady has expressed ‘major concern’ at comments made by Waterford selector Pat Bennett relating to refereeing performances ahead of tomorrow’s Munster SHC semi-final between the counties.

O’Grady feels Bennett’s claims, which appeared in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, were designed to put pressure on whistler Barry Kelly who takes charge of the clash.

Bennett said the county’s hurlers and manager Davy Fitzgerald have been unfairly targeted by referees and specifically mentioned the Westmeath official.

Bennett said: “Everybody knows Davy has history with Barry Kelly since 2009. You’re worried about what might happen but all you want is fair play.”

But last night O’Grady hit back and claimed that Bennett was out of order.

The Limerick manager said: “It is a major concern. I feel this is a ploy to ensure that referee Barry Kelly bends over backwards towards Waterford. The comments by Bennett were designed to put pressure on the referee and to give Waterford the benefit of the doubt in any 50/50 decision.”

The Cork All-Ireland winning boss added: “This direct criticism as far as I am concerned goes against the spirt of the give respect, get respect campaign currently underway by the GAA.

“Referees and their officials have a difficult enough job as it is without pressure being heaped on them before big championship occasions.

“I am just hoping for fair play tomorrow as always. Referees will always make mistakes, that is human. All you are looking for is consistency. But I was annoyed at Bennett’s efforts to gain an unfair advantage.”