Donegal Ladies complain about 'lack of protection' from referee

The Donegal Ladies Gaelic Football Association (DLGFA) have sent a letter of complaint to their Croke Park counterparts, in the wake of a serious injury suffered by teenage forward Geraldine McLaughlin last weekend.

McLaughlin was stretchered off with a back injury in the closing minutes of her side's Bord Gais Energy Division 1 league tie against Laois at Acragar, Mountmellick last Sunday.

Donegal lost the game by 3-12 to 1-3 against the reigning Leinster champions, with their disappointment further compounded by the loss of 18-year-old McLaughlin after a clash in the 53rd minute.

The Termon native had scored both of her side's points before sustaining the injury, and was subsequently admitted to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore with a pelvic problem before being released late on Sunday night.

“It's not good enough and we are very annoyed about the injury and the treatment Geraldine has received in our last two games against Kildare and Laois,” Donegal manager Michael Naughton told the Donegal Democrat on Monday.

An infuriated Naughton continued: "We were very unhappy with the level of protection she received against Kildare and we made our feelings known about it.

“We accept she is a class forward and will be the target of teams, but all we are calling for is fair play and protection from referees but sadly over the last two weekends Geraldine has not received that protection."

Both Donegal's opener against Kildare and last Sunday's tie were refereed by Wexford whistler Mags Doherty. McLaughlin received treatment for the pelvic injury which may sideline her for four to six weeks.