History was made.
For the first time in the history of the GAA a competitive game was decided by virtue of a free-taking shootout competition.
Meath and Longford couldn’t be separated after ninety minutes of action in Páirc Tailteann on Sunday, with the teams tied at 2-16 to 1-19 after extra-time.
That meant a free-kick shootout would be required as darkness descended on the Navan pitch and ‘Dancing in the darkness’ blared over the tannoy in this O’Byrne Cup semi-final.
Meath pip Longford 2-1 in GAA version of penos in the dark in Navan and @MeathGAA PRO @MrFlynnMeath pumping Bruce's "Dancing in the Dark" over the tannoy. pic.twitter.com/VcGZtT2has
— Shane Cassells (@ShaneCassells) January 14, 2018
The players had a choice of kicking their attempts from the ground or out of their hands. The majority of them went for the latter.
Though it didn’t appear to be the right choice. Only three out of the ten attempts from both sides resulted in points, with The Royal County’s first and third men up Sean Tobin and Cillian O’Sullivan nailing their efforts.
Sean McCormack responded for Longford, but he was their only man to score. Denis Connerton’s side were left to rue missed attempts from Robbie Smyth, Paddy Collum, Barry Gilleran and Conor Healy.
Each team had five kicks, and if the scores were tied, it would have went to sudden death. That wasn’t required in this instance.
The shootout rule was introduced at GAA Congress in September 2017, where it was decided that should a game end in a draw after extra-time, a shootout would take place.
You can watch the stand footage of the shootout here, accompanied by some commentary from what sound like Meath accents.
So this happened between @MeathGAA and @OfficialLDGAA #freekickcompetition @SportsJOEdotie @ballsdotie pic.twitter.com/Lr3ZPQkgvR
— Dazzler (@Killerz_Kits) January 14, 2018
Video credit: Darren Killion.
It proved a carnival climax to the game, as the Navan stadium hushed and buzzed to the free-kicks.
Meath scored the victory and they’ll now advance to face Westmeath in the final.
We look forward to seeing more of this as the year progresses.
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