Search icon

GAA

17th Feb 2018

Corofin’s Martin Farragher controversially sent off in second minute against Moorefield

Matthew Gault

Didn’t seem to be a red card offence.

It didn’t take long for controversy and drama to take over in the All-Ireland club semi-final as Corofin’s Martin Farragher was shown a red card after barely a minute of play.

Corofin were stunned when referee Derek O’Mahoney brandished a red card after Farragher got caught up in an incident with Moorefield full-back Liam Healy. There didn’t seem to be much in it at all and, to almost everyone’s surprise, O’Mahoney sent Farragher off.

It provoked a strong reaction on Twitter, with the overriding feeling being that the Moorefield man had exaggerated contact. The two players challenged for the ball in the air and, although Farragher’s knee came close to his face, replays confirmed there was minimal contact. Basically, it was a nothing decision. The ref got it badly wrong.

It’ll be a bitter pill to swallow for Farragher. To have your All-Ireland semi-final cut short in such circumstances will be difficult to accept. If Corofin go on to win, you’d have to think the red card will be overturned.

LISTEN: The GAA Hour – Klopp in Croker, flop in Kildare and the ‘worst fans’ award?