Former refs’ chief Freaney blasts ‘cheap shot’ at Kelly

ALL-IRELAND SHC FINAL:

O’Connor expressed fear Westmeath referee Kelly would spoil Sunday’s decider by imposing himself too much on the action.

Regard for Kelly among Kilkenny hurling folk waned significantly after he sent off Henry Shefflin in last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Cork, a decision which was overturned on appeal.