Earley has ‘no doubts’ about McQuillan

DERMOT EARLEY has expressed confidence that the fact Joe McQuillan has umpired regularly for referee Pat McEnaney will have no impact on Kildare’s attempts to overcome Meath in tonight’s SFC qualifier at Páirc Tailteann.

Meath are managed by McEnaney’s brother, Seamus, and McQuillan’s appointment to officiate in a game involving the Royals has been questioned in some circles.

Kildare have had a number of high-profile grievances with referees in recent years, notably when Benny Coulter’s goal was allowed in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final against Down despite the forward being clearly in the square. Ironically, McQuillan was an umpire in that game, refereed by Pat McEnaney, and was one of the umpires who ruled out an apparently good Alan Smith point.