O'Connor plays experience game as Hill 16 serenades
As Dublin manager Ger Brennan called on the GAA to introduce video assistants to help match officials in the wake of Sunday's contentious All-Ireland semi-final loss to Kerry, it may a surprise some readers to learn that a version has already been in operation in football.
In 2017, the LGFA introduced a 'score assistant' who sat in the production truck during live televised games with the ability to rule on contested scores with the help of multiple replays and angles.
That it was first used to rule on whether a ball had crossed the line or not won’t help the mood of Brennan given events yesterday.
Back then, the umpires were unsure if Ciara McAnespie’s shot for Monaghan had bounced over having struck the underside of the crossbar against Cork, but it was quickly decided that it had and the goal was awarded.
If a ‘score assistant’ was in action at Croke Park yesterday trying to rule on Ross McGarry’s controversial palmed effort 12 minutes from time, the GAA could have charged overnight rates on their seats.
Monaghan's Ciara McAnespie (L) during the 2017 clash against Cork where the 'score assistant' was used for the first time
Perhaps Brennan may hold back on any suggestions of serious change given that Kerry seem to get the better of upheaval in the game when it comes to this famed rivalry.
First championship game between Kerry and Dublin after a goal was changed from five points to three? A win for Kerry.
First championship game between Kerry and Dublin after hand-pass scores were deemed illegal? A win for Kerry.
First championship game between Kerry and Dublin after the bishop stopped throwing the ball in to start a match? A win for Kerry.
And, after the weekend, first championship game between Kerry and Dublin played under the new FRC rule enhancements? A win for Kerry.
That result brought to an end a bizarre first season in charge of Dublin for Brennan.
Soured by an off-field controversy, littered with on-field disappointments and yet remembered by a remarkable run from nowhere that took out Donegal and Galway while a few refereeing decisions going their way could have seen another big hitter fall on their sword too.
After the four-point loss to Kerry, Hill 16 serenaded their heroes, appreciative of how they turned their season around.
As it stands, Brennan’s 12-week suspension after being shown a red card in the league loss to Galway will see him banned for the first few games of their Division 2 campaign next season too.
"One would hope that common sense will prevail but we shouldn't call it common sense because it's not that common," was his response when asked yesterday on his hopes that the sanction would be wiped out.
Brennan spoke honestly and passionately, irked by those big three calls that went against his side, but with a real jovial spirit not always associated with a losing manager.
Indeed, Jack O’Connor’s quick press conference was a touch spikier as he took exception to a suggestion from a journalist that Joe O’Connor may have played somewhat for the early penalty call that went the way of the Kingdom.
The five-time All-Ireland winning manager and now nine-time finalist freely admitted that luck had accompanied his side throughout.
He also took time to look ahead to Mayo in two weeks.
As he prepares for that ninth final, O’Connor will remember his first back in 2004.
Twenty-two years ago it was Mayo. In 2026 it’s Mayo.
"They were very impressive, obviously," O’Connor said of Mayo’s 17-point hammering of Louth on Saturday.
"It was seen as a very tight game, in many people's eyes, Louth were favourites but they are coming good at a good time.
"I mean, if we're judging the two performances, you would say they were more impressive yesterday than we were today.
Mayo manager Andy Moran and his backroom staff Colm Boyle, Paddy Tally and Paul Durcan watch Kerry's win over Dublin
"The only thing, probably in our favour, we have a bit of experience, maybe a bit more experience than some of their younger players.
"But, you know, the exuberance of youth, they might come out and shoot the lights out, you don't know.
"It'll make for a great occasion, Mayo have great supporters. Andy Moran has done some job along with Paddy Tally and the boys there in their first year so we're expecting a massive battle again in two weeks."
