Agony and ecstasy: was referee correct to blow final whistle in dramatic finale to Kerry final?

Celebrations and consternation at the death in Kerry minor football final as St Kieran's claim title despite the protestations of Austin Stacks

CELEBRATIONS: St Kieran's Captain Michael Horgan and team mates after their dramatic Kerry MFC final win. Pic: Domnick Walsh

YOU NEED to be of a certain vintage to understand what a Clive Thomas moment is, but those attending Monday night's thrilling Kerry MFC in Tralee will certainly understand and empathise. 

The British referee (in)famously blew the final whistle in a 1978 World Cup game between Brazil and Sweden just as the Brazilians were turning an injury-tie corner into the net for what they believed to be the winner.

The scene was reprised in gripping fashion at Austin Stack Park, under lights. 

St Kieran's were leading 2-12 to 1-13 deep into added time when Austin Stacks' Ryan O'Driscoll had a shot deflected out for a 45. 

The advertised added time of at least four minutes had come and gone as Stacks' Gavin Casey stepped up to the 45. In fact, video footage shows that 4.24 had elapsed of additional time. Within five seconds, all hell would break loose.

Casey, knowing a point was no good, floated the 45 into the mixer in search of a winning goal and his team mate Ronan Carroll won possession. 

However his point blank effort was blocked by a sea of green jerseys as St Kieran's - a combination of seven clubs around Castleisland - hung on grimly to their two-point lead. 

Referee Evan Horan was then clearly heard on the footage to blow the full time whistle - milliseconds before Stacks and Kerry minor Ben Murphy smashed the rebound to the net for what they believed to be the winning goal - and the Rock Street's first minor title since 1980.

Consternation followed as Kieran's wheeled away in joyous celebration while Stacks players and officials sought clarification from the official in charge. 

So was the referee right? Watch the video for the St Kieran's reaction to the final whistle. After blocking the first effort, some seemed to be already celebrating at the moment Murphy netted the rebound, though there was only half a second in it.

It was ecstasy for Kieran's - and devastation for Stacks.