Dublin's decision takes heat off of LGFA

The decision of the Dublin ladies football board not to request a replay of Sunday’s All-Ireland final has taken the heat off under-fire LGFA bosses.

The LGFA agreed earlier this year not to avail of the HawkEye score detection technology on All-Ireland final day and this move was widely criticised after Dublin forward Carla Rowe’s first-half effort was incorrectly waved wide.

Dublin lost to Cork by a single point and while manager Gregory McGonigle hinted his team should be offered a replay, the Dublin board yesterday released a statement which made no mention of seeking a rematch, sparing the LGFA a saga.

“We wish it to be noted that we are very disappointed that the score error could not be rectified on the field of play and we will focus our efforts to require that LGFA put processes in place so that no other team is subjected to such a situation.

“Dublin players, management and executive congratulate Cork on winning the 2016 senior All-Ireland final.”

Cork boss Ephie Fitzgerald, speaking to RedFM prior to the release of the Dublin statement, said a replay wasn’t on the cards.

“The referee’s report is final and that’s that. It’s over. I haven’t seen it [Rowe’s point] but you just have to suck it up, obviously,” he remarked.

“We all knew HawkEye wasn’t available — that’s been the case all year. You know going out that you’re not going to have the use of HawkEye. So talking about HawkEye should be in use afterwards, to me, is a bit rich.”

Cork corner-back Marie Ambrose said she had not seen the controversial kick.

“When the umpire waved it wide, I just kinda thought it was a wide as well. Some of the Dublin girls were calling for HawkEye but it wasn’t there. That is how it goes.”