Down produced the shock result of the 2017 Championship so far by clinching a narrow two-point win over Monaghan in Saturday’s Ulster semi-final clash.
Eamon Burns’ side will now face Tyrone in the Ulster final on 16 July, their first time to reach that stage since 2012.
The Mourne men were 4-1 outsiders with the bookies prior to this game but they made an absolute mockery of these odds with an energetic, hungry display to oust the Monaghan men.
Kevin McKernan, who was named man-of-the-match, was in flying form for Eamon Burns’ men.
Down were slicker than Monaghan, their fine-tuned kicking game was particularly impressive and their swagger wasn’t matched by the Farney men.
Despite their victory, Down were extremely critical of the refereeing performance in the game.
Strangely, the Down faithful didn’t have only one referee to criticise.
That was because the initial referee, David Coldrick, injured himself in the first half and had to be bizarrely replaced by Paddy Neilan at half-time.
It was the second half referee, Roscommon’s Paddy Neilan, who drew the most ire from the Down crowd.
Good man Paddy Neilan taking over as referee for second half of Down v Monaghan #Injuredref #gaa #rosgaa pic.twitter.com/NdP5cxkMqz
— Roscommon GAA (@RoscommonGAA) June 24, 2017
In fairness, many of the frees Neilan did give to Malachy O’Rourke’s side were dubious, to say the least.
They were particularly unhappy with their disallowed goal, despite Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggin picking up the ball outside the square.
A controversial moment in the final minute as Down are denied a goal. Last minute live now on @rte2. Highlights tomorrow at 9.30pm on TSG pic.twitter.com/TP8H91mCqK
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 24, 2017
This wasn’t the only decision to anger the Down faithful with a series of soft frees being awarded to Monaghan players.
Monaghan trailed by seven points when Darragh O’Hanlon converted a 41st-minute penalty.
They fought hard to narrow the margin to the minimum in the 70th minute, but Down clung on to win.
Neilan won’t be getting any Christmas cards from the Down support, that’s for sure.
https://twitter.com/brendaofslaught/status/878697690560901120
Complacacy from Monaghan, evident from 1st min. Richly deserved by Down despite best efforts of referee in 2nd half!
— Anthony McGrath (@anthonymcgrath7) June 24, 2017
If Down lose/draw this match, they will look to the half time referee change as turning point. New ref has given Monaghan everything. #GAA
— Nodlag O'Neill-Forde (@Mayosupporter) June 24, 2017
He may have been lucky they won.
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