Diarmuid Connolly's chequered history
With 12 minutes remaining in the 2011 All-Ireland semi-final against Donegal, Connolly received a straight red card for pushing Marty Boyle in the face and chest. Referee Maurice Deegan did not witness the off-the-ball incident but after consultation with linesman Rory Hickey, Deegan handed Connolly his marching orders. The Dublin County Board successfully appealed the decision, enabling him to feature in the decider against Kerry.
He was back on the line in November of 2013, having again been part of an off-the-ball incident during the closing stages of the Dublin SFC final replay between his native St Vincent’s and Ballymun Kickhams. Referee Darragh Sheppard showed Connolly red while Philly McMahon picked up a second yellow for his part in the scuffle.
