Slaughtneil appeal over Newbridge semi-final defeat unsuccessful

In September, Croke Park reminded counties that referees failing to allow a score is not grounds for contest. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Slaughtneil’s appeal following their Derry SFC semi-final loss to Newbridge has been dismissed.

The club has decided not to take the issue any further, meaning Sunday’s final between Magherafelt and Newbridge will proceed as scheduled.

The appeal centred on a late incident in last Sunday’s semi-final, when Slaughtneil forward Shane McGuigan scored in injury time to edge his team ahead by a single point. 

The shot was awarded one point, though there was dispute over whether McGuigan had struck it from beyond the 40-metre arc to make it a two-pointer.

From the ensuing play, Newbridge were awarded a free that was advanced by the referee. Conor Doherty converted from two-point range, restoring Newbridge’s one-point advantage.

Padraig McGrogan then added another score, sealing Newbridge’s 0-21 to 1-16 victory.

In September, Croke Park reminded counties that referees failing to allow a score is not grounds for contest. 

“In light of queries received (in recent days) relating to potential objections to scores being awarded or not awarded in games which affect the outcome of the game, the Rules Advisory Committee would like to draw attention to the provisions of Rule 7.5, particularly 7.5 (n) (ii) regarding decision to an incorrectly recorded scored as distinct from the decision of the referee to allow or disallow a score: a Competition Control Committee must make decisions in accordance with the provisions of Rule 7.5”.

The winner of Sunday’s Derry SFC final will face Antrim champions Dunloy at home in the preliminary round of the Ulster Club Championship on the first weekend of November.