Toomevara avoid Tipperary relegation play-off after scoreline controversy decision

A review of match footage demonstrated the correct scoreline in Mullinahone’s final group game against JK Brackens was 3-23 to 0-26. 

A meeting of the Tipperary county CCC on Monday night amended the scoreline to a six-point Brackens win. Pic: NPHO/Tommy Dickson

Mullinahone will contest the Tipperary SHC relegation play-offs as 2024 county runners-up Toomevara were saved from that prospect following a county CCC meeting.

The issue arose from an incorrectly recorded score in Mullinahone’s final group game against JK Brackens.

Initially, the live-stream coverage, local media, and Brackens’ X account reported a six-point victory for the Templemore side; 3-23 to 0-26.

Moments after the final whistle, the Clubber commentary team was informed by the linesman that the final score was recorded as 3-22 to 0-27. This was subsequently published as the official scoreline on Tipperary GAA accounts.

That meant Mullinahone and Toome, who drew in their opening game, finished level on a -15 score difference at the foot of Group 4. The South side prevailed on the total scored tiebreaker, having apparently tallied 1-67 in their three games against Toome’s 2-53.

However, a review of match footage demonstrated the correct scoreline was indeed 3-23 to 0-26. Technical difficulties with the scoreboard at Cashel’s Leahy Park meant the scoreline had not been displayed towards the end of the match.

Once the issue was raised, the score was corrected on the Tipperary GAA website on Monday afternoon with an updated table showing Toome in third place. Mullinahone were moved to fourth, below Toome, with their score difference adjusted to -17.

Having received the referee's report, a meeting of the county CCC on Monday night amended the scoreline to a six-point Brackens win, putting Mullinahone into fourth place and the relegation play-offs.

While ending the year without a win, Toomevara will breathe a sigh of relief that they don’t have to prepare for a relegation semi-final. Mullinahone defeated Lorrha in last year’s final to avoid the drop to Premier Intermediate.

Just like last year, those relegation semi-finals will be delayed by Clonoulty-Rossmore’s advancement to the preliminary quarter-finals. The West champions finished bottom of their group, one point shy of Loughmore on score difference, but their divisional title means they gain entry to the knockout stages.

Unless they win the county title, they will have to contest the relegation play-offs upon their elimination.

Those semi-finals will now feature Mullinahone, Upperchurch-Drombane, and Roscrea, with Clonoulty to complete the quartet providing they don’t lift the Dan Breen Cup.