Antrim Championship plunged into controversy with appeal over 'extra man'
The Antrim Senior Football Championship has been plunged into further controversy after it emerged that Creggan Kickhams are considering an appeal against the result of last Sunday’s quarter-final defeat to Lámh Dhearg.
The Hannahstown outfit won the game 0-15 to 0-13 after extra-time and only took the lead in extra-time with former Antrim captain Paddy Cunningham scoring 0-7 from frees. The basis for a potential appeal stems from the passage of play leading up to Cunningham’s first free of the second half.
Lámh Dhearg were bringing in Mark Lowe eight minutes into the second half and it appeared as though Michael Herron was the player to make way. However, he remained on the pitch near the far sideline while the kickout was taken. Terry McCrudden eventually made his way to the sideline as the intended substitute Lámh Dhearg scored from a free awarded moments later. They went on to level the contest at 0-10 and edged out Creggan by two points in extra-time.
Read next: “It's utterly pathetic” - Antrim GAA legend slams Casement Park funding decision
Read next: “Casement Park will be built” - GAA seeks urgent meeting with UK Government over funding shortfall
Even if the error isn’t included in referee Mark O’Neill’s match report, the game was being streamed by Jerome Quinn, who produced a highlights package for Antrim GAA.
Even though Herron and McCrudden were relatively inactive for the kickout, the fact that Lámh Dhearg had 16 men on the pitch leaves the result in doubt if Creggan pursue an appeal.
Last season’s All-Ireland Club Championship was overshadowed by an extra man controversy with Glen appealing their final defeat to Kilmaccud.
The GAA’s CCCC ordered a replay, but Glen withdrew their appeal when Kilmacud indicated their unwillingness to replay the fixture.
The Watty Grahams went one better this year when they lifted the Andy Merrigan Cup following victory over St Brigid’s of Roscommon.
The Antrim SFC semi-finals had already generated plenty of debate after officials held a draw following the quarter-finals, despite the entire Championship draw being pre-determined from the off.
Had the original format been adhered to, county champions Cargin would face Portglenone in the last four with Lámh Dhearg facing St Brigid’s.
After Sunday’s draw, Cargin face League winner St Brigid’s with Portglenone playing Lámh Dhearg, although that fixture is now up in the air.
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox