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‘Shocking’ referee call leads to dramatic last-gasp An Ghaeltacht victory in All-Ireland IFC semi

Published 17:36 3 Jan 2026 GMT

Updated 17:49 3 Jan 2026 GMT

SportsJOE
‘Shocking’ referee call leads to dramatic last-gasp An Ghaeltacht victory in All-Ireland IFC semi

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This will split opinion...

There was huge drama and controversy at the end of the All-Ireland IFC semi-final between Sallins and An Ghaeltacht on Saturday.

In injury time at the end of extra time, Kerry side An Ghaeltacht were behind by a single point at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoímh, and were awarded a free that had been advanced 50 metres by the referee after he judged Sallins players had delayed the free. 

That advancement took the free placement to within the 40m two-point arc, but Éanna Ó Conchúir backed himself to win the match, not just tie it.

Requesting to bring the ball back out of the arc, Ó Conchúir struck a beautiful two-pointer to send his side into the All-Ireland IFC final with a 0-18 to 0-17 victory.

Not all spectators were convinced by the call to advance the free by 50 metres, however.

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Shane Beatty of Newstalk said: I’m not known for commenting on new GAA rules but Sallins have been absolutely robbed.”

A second said: “The refree in the Sallins game should be in the boot of a car at FT. Shocking”

And a third said: “Borderline free for Sallins. He's on his hands and knees over the ball, and the ref gives maybe 1 second and brings it up. Terrible rule and a disgraceful application of it. Even worse than the Munster Final decision…”

An Ghaeltacht will now face Glenullin in the final at Croke Park next Sunday.

‘Shocking’ referee call leads to dramatic last-gasp An Ghaeltacht victory in All-Ireland IFC semi