Ger Cunningham says Conor Cahalane sending off was 'harsh'

Cahalane’s sending off and the Barrs’ perceived injustice of it could have sunk his young team. Instead, they dug in. They stood level a minute into second-half injury-time

SENT OFF: Cathal O’Connor of Ballyea looks on as Conor Cahalane, 12, of St Finbarr’s is shown a red card by referee Michael Kennedy during the AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship semi-final at Cusack Park in Ennis. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Ger Cunningham made a beeline for referee Michael Kennedy after the latter had blown for half-time. The Barrs manager wanted to know why exactly Conor Cahalane had been sent off in the ninth minute.

Kennedy, without breaking stride on his way back to the referee’s room, said Cahalane had walked for dangerous play. It was an explanation Cunningham firmly disagreed with.