PJ Kenny says Kilkenny 'deeply frustrated' by scoreboard error in semi-final defeat

Kilkenny GAA says Croke Park must ensure scoreboard errors like the one in their semi-final defeat never happen again

Tipperary’s Noel McGrath looks on after a late shot was counted on the scoreboard as a point but was adjudged to be wide by the umpires. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

Kilkenny GAA chairman PJ Kenny has described the "extreme frustration" felt in the county after the scoreboard error in their All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Tipperary.

Having already received an apology from Croke Park for the error that impacted the closing stages of the fixture — which eventual All-Ireland champions Tipp won by two-points — Kenny has detailed the thinking in Kilkenny, insisting that despite knowing a replay would not occur, they were in contact with GAA authorities during a period he described as "very stressful". 

On the day, both teams would have been of the understanding, via the scoreboard, that Noel McGrath's point attempt in the 70th minute had put the Tipp four points ahead. 

Following his attempt, McGrath's shot was waved wide but the scoreboard counted it as a score.

After a Jordan Molloy point in the second minute of additional time, Derek Lyng's men — thinking they required a goal — went looking for exactly that to force extra-time when they were in fact only two points behind.

"There was communication that evening after the match," Kilkenny chairman PJ Kenny told KCLR Hurling Podcast. "There was extreme frustration from the players, management, and county board, and all the fans, as well, who paid to go to the match. 

"There was deep frustration, we were in talks with Croke Park from the very start of that evening. We knew it was never going to a replay; there's no rule that allows for that, and we were told that fairly straightaway. 

"We talked to them, but we didn't want it broadcast all over the front pages. We did talk to Croke Park regularly on the Sunday and Monday and we looked for an explanation."

Kenny noted that the Kilkenny county board was conscious that there was nothing to be gained by taking away from then finalists — Tipperary and Cork. 

"We were also conscious as well that Tipperary and Cork were in the All-Ireland final and there was no point in taking away from their day," Kenny said. "There was nothing to be gained from it that way, but we were in talks, Croke Park took full responsibility, they wrote a letter which we actually read out at the county board meeting the Monday after (a week later). 

"They took full responsibility and issued an apology, particularly they felt for the players and management. They are the people who put in the most effort, so it wasn't an easy time. There's nothing we could do. They said they are putting procedures in place. 

"All I can say is Tipperary won the All-Ireland and they were well worthy. Congratulations to them. It was disappointing for us, but there's nothing much we can do now."

The chairman added that despite Croke Park's plan to insert procedures, Kilkenny will be keeping a close eye on the action the GAA takes so that there are no further instances of the situation. 

"In Croke Park, there is about six people on the sideline there, the referee's report had the score in at 4-20 to 0-30 and we were sent on a copy of that, so immediately that's the score you go by. Just human error was basically the cause; whoever was on the scoreboard put up that extra point. 

"Maybe I think when you have HawkEye you should be able to link it all in and be able to check for scores, I don't know how they can't stop play. 

"They say they're looking at procedures and we will enquire about them going forward, we won't just let that go, we need to make sure it won't happen again, because it is was very stressful time."

Kenny also credited the Kilkenny players' — who were kept up-to-date with the talks — decision not to speak out in the media. 

"When you're a player and you're chasing a lead, it does affect your decision-making," Kenny said. "Credit to the players, they didn't go out in the media either, looking to make a story either. They are the most important people in this."