Should it have been a Waterford free?
It’s the final minute of injury time, the Deise are one point up in the Allianz League final.
Jamie Barron comes forward into the Clare half but he looks to be pulled back. Referee Diarmuid Kirwan waves play away but, seconds later, Tony Kelly is given a free in the other direction for the Banner.
Waterford could’ve been pointing at one end to sow up a game they had been controlling and leading from start to finish. They could be two points clear with 25 seconds remaining but, instead, Kelly splits the posts at the other end to equalise the scores and the rest of the dying seconds are history.
LISTEN: The manic injury time commentary on Clare FM summed up a classic league final perfectly https://t.co/L3WZ8at160 #GAA
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 8, 2016
Clare went on to win the game and the scenes of pure euphoria at the final whistle were coupled with boos from the Waterford support.
And hurling legend John Mullane didn’t mince his words after Kirwan’s performance.
“He’s after having an absolute nightmare,” he told RTÉ Radio.
“I’m so infuriated. I hope Diarmuid Kirwan doesn’t referee a game again for the rest of the year because it’s been the difference between us climbing the steps and Clare going up the steps.
“I’m absolutely boiling with the decision. It’s disgraceful.”
The biggest controversy surrounded the inconsistency to ignore Jamie Barron’s appeals before helping the Banner level the game.
1. Jamie Barron attacks the Clare backline.
2. He looks to be gripped though as he breaks away.
3. Barron appears to be spun as he attempts to show his movement is being restricted.
4. The attack is being slowed up from behind.
5. Barron spins and loses the ball.
6. Tony Kelly picks it up and runs into a Waterford chest.
7. The Clare man is sent to ground.
8. Waterford players try to show their innocence.
9. Kelly is down and the free is given.
Here’s the challenge that resulted in a free from a different angle.
And people raged online.
Waterford will feel hard done by. Jamie Barron probably should have had a free d other way. There d margins that win games. #AllianzLeagues
— Ciaran Neary (@CiaranNeary) May 8, 2016
Jeez the ref just showed his colours there. Didn't give Jamie Barron a free then gave one to Clare for the exact same thing. #Robbed #shame
— Declan (@decbreen) May 8, 2016
Tony Kelly deserved to win that but Jamie Barron robbed of a free just before the equaliser
— ConorMcKeon (@ConorMcKn) May 8, 2016
Waterford will feel aggrieved that Jamie Barron wasn't awarded free seconds before Kelly levelled game with his 72nd min free
— Mark Gallagher (@bailemg) May 8, 2016
Ref decision not to give jamie barron a free and then gives kelly a free for same thing #shockingref #AllianzLeagues
— Kevin Kennedy (@KevinKennedy9) May 8, 2016
Waterford entitled to complain. Jamie Barron denied a stonewall free with them a point ahead in injury time.
— Enda McEvoy (@EndaEndamac95) May 8, 2016
Great character from Tony Kelly and Clare to win but failure to award Waterford's Jamie Barron a free he deserved has decided league final.
— Colm Keys (@KeysColm) May 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/_SwagPizzazz/status/729341108900265984
Should have been a Waterford free before Clare's second last point! Jamie Barron clearly founded! #wiseupref #disgrace
— Gary Hurley (@GaryHurley93) May 8, 2016
What do you think?
