Hurling referee Barry Kelly and Kilkenny cross paths again

It may be six months since the word was uttered but with time it has become more powerful. Because it’s never been retracted. Never apologised for. And, let’s be honest, never denounced by a GAA official without any vim.

As far as we can gather, it’s still Brian Cody’s contention Barry Kelly’s decision to award Tipperary a last-gasp free in the drawn All-Ireland was “criminal”.

His and Kilkenny’s determination to contest a disrepute charge for the comments after the All-Ireland final replay would suggest he’s anything but contrite about dabbing a blot on the referee’s record.