Devenney’s ‘common sense’ praised

THE referee at the centre of November’s controversial Connacht Club senior football final was lauded by GAA chiefs for using “common sense” after officiating at Wednesday night’s windswept FBD League game in Ballyhaunis.

Liam Devenney issued 13 yellow cards and disallowed a late Corofin goal as St Brigid’s eventually won the provincial club title. He had to be escorted from the pitch by former Roscommon goalkeeper Shane Curran and was jostled by irate Galway supporters. However, the Ballina Stephenites clubman came in for praise after the match match between NUI Galway and Sligo on Wednesday night when gale-force winds spoilt the game.

Players from both sides adopted the rugby tactic of holding the ball for the place-kicker during the encounter. The use of this technique is illegal but the GAA’s head of games development, Pat Daly, praised the referee for being sensible in the terrible conditions.