Penalty panto had to stop — or end in tragedy

Beyond the outrage, the GAA had to curb a dangerous situation, writes Donal Óg Cusack.

It was Saturday. Paddy and Dinny got up early and swept the floor of their lean-to. They were expecting visitors. Paddy and Dinny had lived long lives. They had seen down friends and mourned loved ones. They had lived through recession and wealth and then austerity. They had seen the little country scarred by The Brits, The Troubles, The Banks, The Church and The Bondholders.

Now the worst thing ever to happen in Irish history had happened to Paddy and Dinny.