Clap on the back for ref Duffy

The GAA have commended Marty Duffy’s decision to overrule his umpire and award a point to Eoghan O’Gara’s 53rd minute point in yesterday’s Leinster SFC final.

Linesman Maurice Deegan alerted the Sligo referee to the error after apparently seeing that the shot was good in a replay on of Croke Park’s two big screens.

GAA director of games administration and player welfare Feargal McGill said he was satisfied Duffy had made the right decision.

“I haven’t spoken to Marty or Maurice so I don’t know on what basis the call was made,” stated McGill. “But he got the decision right and that’s what we expect from our referees.”

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy, who had remonstrated that the kick was valid and pointed towards the replay on the big screen at the Nally terrace, commended Duffy’s call to review the score. He also said video evidence should be used in future to determine the legitimacy of scores.

“I think it was common sense, they looked up at the big screen and saw it was over. I think they have to be applauded for that, we give out enough about referees but it was clearly a point and it takes fair guts to go back and change your mind on it.

“At least they have the video replay there, whether it’s in the rules or they’re supposed to do it, that’s a different matter.

He added: “They might get into trouble for it but I think in general people will appreciate that was common sense.”

Meath boss Seamus McEnaney agreed Duffy was correct in his assessment.