GAA to probe All-Ireland semi-final score mix-up after confusion arose during Tipperary’s semi-final win over Kilkenny, with the official score corrected to 4-20 to 0-30 after the match. The scoreboard in the stadium had initially shown Tipp winning by three points, but it turned out the margin was only two, leaving Kilkenny unaware of the true situation in the final minutes.
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Scoreboard Confusion at Croke Park
The issue began when Noel McGrath took a shot near the end of normal time, which the umpire ruled wide. However, the scoreboard added it as a point, putting Tipp ahead 4-21 to 0-29. Both Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng and Tipp manager Liam Cahill admitted after the game that they thought the final margin was three points.
Impact on Kilkenny’s Approach
This mix-up affected Kilkenny’s tactics during injury time. Believing they needed a goal to force extra-time, Kilkenny pushed forward aggressively. In reality, when Jordan Molloy scored a point in the 72nd minute, Kilkenny would have still had nearly three minutes to score two more points instead of hunting for a goal.
No Hawk-Eye Consultation
After the match, multiple replays showed McGrath’s effort had indeed gone wide, and there was no sign that referee James Owens had awarded the point. The white flag was not raised, and Hawk-Eye was not brought in to review the call, adding to the confusion on the day.
GAA Responds to the Situation
Initially, the GAA released the score as 4-21 for Tipp, matching the incorrect scoreboard tally. Later, they issued a statement correcting the score to 4-20 to 0-30, acknowledging the confusion. The GAA explained that the CCCC is now waiting for the referee’s full report to understand how the incorrect score appeared on the stadium scoreboard.
Missed Opportunity for Kilkenny
Former Galway hurler Joe Canning commented on The Sunday Game that players adjust their strategy based on the scoreboard, noting that if Kilkenny had known the real deficit was only two points, they could have taken a safer point before pressing for another to force extra-time rather than chasing a goal under pressure.
Tipp to Face Cork in the Final
Despite the score confusion, Tipperary’s win was confirmed, and they will now prepare to face Cork in the All-Ireland final on 20 July. The GAA’s investigation will aim to ensure clearer score management in future games to avoid similar issues that could influence team strategies at crucial moments.
