How Dingle turned heartbreaking defeats into fuel for Munster glory

Paul Geaney is glad his plea to move Dingle's crucial game-winning free closer to goal was ignored by referee Chris Maguire

Dingle captain Paul Geaney celebrates with his wife Siun and daughter Christina after his side's victory over St Finbarr's in the Munster Club SFC final. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The sense of disbelief is sketched all over Paul Geaney’s face. He can’t believe he just watched his cousin kick a two-point wonder free to win Dingle’s first ever provincial crown. He didn’t want it to be a winner.

As referee Chris Maguire was marching up the field to afford Dingle an opportunity to break St Finbarr's heart, captain Geaney was pleading with him. 50 metres should mean it was closer to the goal. An easier kick but only worth one point. They would have taken extra-time.