Maurice Deegan will officiate Mayo’s All-Ireland Football Final replay against champions Dublin.
The Stradbally, Laois native was on the line for last Sunday’s 2-9 to 0-15 draw between the sides but has been stepped up for the replay.
Deegan found himself embroiled in one flash-point during the game as players from both sides clashed on the sidelines and had to be separated.
Deegan copped some flak for his decision-making in last year’s semi-final clash between Tyrone and Kerry. Mickey Harte’s team felt he was far too harsh on them while letting Kerry away with some cynical play in the closing stages.
RTE pundit Joe Brolly attracted criticism for his scathing criticism of Deegan for waving away a Tyrone penalty appeal. Brolly remarked:
“He did something to Tyrone today which normally happens between consenting adults. It was an obvious penalty and there’s no point in trying to gloss over that.”
In 2013, Brolly also criticised Deegan. On Twitter, he declared:
‘Expecting Maurice Deegan to referee a game properly is like asking a man with diarrhoea not to shite.’
There is one piece of shared history between Deegan and Mayo that their fans would rather forget. He took charge of the 2012 Football Final, in which Mayo were beaten 2-11 to 0-13 by Donegal. Mayo fans know the name:
We review a crazy All-Ireland final and chat to Lee Keegan about his special relationship with Diarmuid Connolly. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
