Dublin won because they were the better team, not because of the referee

There are only a few certainties in this life; night always follows day, taxes have to be paid, and it’s always the referee’s fault when you lose a tight game.

I find that last one to be complete bullshit.

Now, I know the free count was 22-13 in Dublin’s favour. Also, I’m acutely aware that it was a stonewall yellow card foul committed by Kevin McManamon for his shuddering hit on a rampaging Peter Crowley in injury time that could have led to a potential Bryan Sheehan game-levelling free. I’m further aware that there were several other instances like the two 45s a minute apart in the second half (one each for Paul Murphy and McManamon) that were called incorrectly, in my opinion, and both in Dublin’s favour. More still, when you look at Brian Fenton jumping into a hop ball between Kieran Donaghy and Michael Darragh McAuley and stealing the possession illegally before either had touched the ball,… there was plenty that you could point to as a disgruntled Kerry supporter as reason why the referee had potentially cost Kerry the game or at least a chance of a replay.