Cork manager’s ref comments in stark contrast to Galway boss after 2024 final loss

Two different approaches.

The Cork boss slammed the performance of referee Justin Heffernan, singling out his decision to send off Hannah Looney for striking Carrie Dolan just before half-time, and to award a late free which was scored by Dolan and was the winning point.

He also complained about what he felt was a blatant push on keeper Amy Lee before a first-half Galway point.

Manley said: “To give Galway their credit, I thought they were street-smart. But the decisions that went against us were very disappointing. It's not sour grapes really, I just thought the referee had a very poor match.

“I don't like knocking refs, but I thought he had a very poor game. I know it's a tough game but some of the decisions that went against us, it seemed to be one rule for one team and another rule for the next. We're not a dirty team and neither are Galway really. They're physical.

“The sending-off was very harsh. I thought it was just physical contact. It was in front of me, but I'd like to see it again. But I thought Justin had a shocking game as a referee. The last one, the one that won the game (foul on Carrie Dolan), was a dive."

The win was revenge for Galway and manager Cathal Murray, after losing last year's final 1-16 to 0-16.

While Murray disagreed at refereeing decisions made during the game, he was complimentary of referee Liz Dempsey.

After the 2024 showpiece, he said: “Look it, I’m super proud of our players. In fairness to Liz (Dempsey), I think she’s a really good referee; I think it was a really good spectacle out there, I think she had to let it go.

“I think, yeah, there’s one or two harsh calls near the finish but I’m not just going to go down that road, to be honest with you. I’m just super proud of the players, and just unfortunate that we weren’t good enough to pull it off for a finish.”