Comerford: ’09 penalty shouldn’t have been

RECENTLY retired Kilkenny star Martin Comerford has surprisingly claimed the Cats shouldn’t have been awarded a penalty in the 2009 All-Ireland final against Tipperary.

In today’s Irish Examiner All-Ireland SHC final supplement, three-time All Star Comerford believes Richie Power should have been whistled by referee Diarmuid Kirwan for over-carrying instead of being given a penalty in the 63rd minute.

Henry Shefflin’s goal from the spot, which was followed a minute later by a second goal from Comerford, set Kilkenny on their way to a fourth consecutive All-Ireland title. But according to the O’Loughlin Gaels man, Kirwan should have ruled in Tipp’s favour.

“The penalty was a big turning point in the game,” said Comerford.

“It could have easily have been a free out for over-carrying on Richie Power’s behalf. In my opinion, it wasn’t a penalty but the referee gave it. These things always balance out though.

“In last year’s final, Eoin Larkin was blown for over-carrying but had been fouled before it and should have been given a free-in.

“But it went the other way and Brendan Cummins stuck it over the bar from long range. The pressure on Henry to score that penalty was immense but to lift it, strike it and find the net showed all that he’s about.

“Brendan Cummins looked to have it covered but it hit Padraic Maher’s hurl in front of him and directed it away from him. The gods were with us on that day, to be honest.”

Kirwan received criticism for the decision in Tipperary, a point raised by former Kilkenny hurler Christy Heffernan earlier this week.

However, Declan Fanning, who played in that ‘09 final before retiring at the end of last year, had no truck with the Cork official’s performance.

“I thought the referee was fine. There was a lot of talk about the penalty and whether it was one at all.

“Even when Henry scored it, I remember jogging back out to my position and I was still happy. I still felt we were going to win it and I know a lot of the boys were the same.”

Interestingly, Comerford also maintains Kilkenny had too many injury concerns coming into last year’s final.

Aside from cruciate injury victims Shefflin and John Tennyson, Comerford argues Tommy Walsh (shoulder) and substitute Michael Rice (arm) weren’t fully-fit.

“Henry going off after 15 minutes had a major impact on Kilkenny. He really is the leader on and off the field for the Kilkenny team.

“It was deflating having to see him having to be substituted. He was hurling well up to when he had to go off. He was winning ball and winning frees. He was moving the ball through which was his job in the half-forward line.

“We had other injuries too. Brian Hogan was a big, big loss, John Tennyson would probably admit to you himself he wasn’t fully fit at centre-back.

“Tommy Walsh would admit the same, he wasn’t fully right. Michael Rice, who came on for Henry, wasn’t right either. I’m not making excuses but they are the facts of the matter. Players weren’t 100%.”