Louth officials consider appeal

A meeting of the Louth GAA Executive is taking place this afternoon, after which it is speculated that an official appeal against the result of Sunday's Leinster SFC final against Meath will be made.

The Royal County won the provincial decider by 1-12 to 1-10, thanks to Joe Sheridan's controversial injury-time goal, but yesterday the GAA issued a statement in which referee Martin Sludden admitted that he had made a mistake in awarding the goal.

Louth's hopes of a replay are fading rapidly. The Meath players last night voted almost unanimously against granting their neighbours a chance to play for the Delaney Cup again.

Meath officials will meet with the players and management tonight, after which a statement will be released.

Louth selector Gerry Cumiskey told TV3's 'Ireland AM' programme today that has been gut-wrenching for all involved, knowing that a mistake has been made.

"Meath threw caution to the wind, as the referee made a serious error in his judgement. I don't know why he didn't consult with his umpires. He has come out yesterday and admitted he was wrong - fair enough," he said.

"I don't know where we go from here. Yeah, we do want a replay probably."

Cumiskey believes that unfair pressure is being place on Meath GAA officials to sort this mess out.

"I don't think it's fair on Meath, to ask Meath to decide whether they are giving us a replay or not. It should be a ruling (by the GAA). This happened 15 years ago with Carlow and Laois.

"You are reading a few days after every game, where somebody has been cited or getting a suspension. The CCCC (Central Competitions Control Committee) has picked up on something.

"But why isn't there a rule there (on controversial decisions)? Expecting the opposition, who has won the (Leinster final), and fair play to them, they played very well Meath.

"They have the Delaney Cup at home with them at the minute, and expecting them to hand it back and offer Louth a replay - that's not right," he added.