It was a case of job done for Ballymun Kickhams until an ugly brawl took the sheen off their victory.
Ballymun reached the Dublin County Senior Football Championship Final with a win over Kilmacud Crokes but there was a particularly nasty meleé in the closing stages.
Kickhams defeated Crokes 1-18 to 2-12 to reach the final, which will be held in a fortnight’s time, despite forward Dean Rock having a penalty saved.
The first half was a close-run affair with Paddy Small’s fleet feet the highlight as both sides went score for score:
Love that from Paddy Small, the old hook, line and sinker 🎣🚂pic.twitter.com/m2TMnGQAmU
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) September 13, 2020
Kickhams put the boot down in the second half, however, and Cathal O’Tighe’s goal, on 60 minutes, all but sealed their victory at Parnell Park.
However, less than a minute after that goal, play was held up for several minutes after a dust-up between four players quickly spiralled out of control.
When teammates and match officials were finally able to settle matters, and tempers, Crokes’ Cian O’Connor told the referee that his eye had been gouged.
O’Connor was booked for his part in the brawl, as was Jason Whelan but stricter sanctions were coming for his Ballymun teammates.
After consulting with his match officials, the ref sent of Ballymun’s David Byrne before giving his teammate Leon Young his marching orders.
Dhá chárta buí bronnta ar Cian O'Connor agus Jason Whelan
Two red cards for David Byrne and Leon Young@BallymunGAA @KCrokesGAAClub @DubGAAOfficial @GAA_BEO #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/vgJTv1jbU5
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) September 13, 2020
As it stands, both players will now miss the final against Ballyboden St Enda’s after receiving straight red cards.
The match footage is sure to be studied in closer detail so others involved in the late schemozzle could yet find themselves getting suspensions.
