Cahill rules out Croke Park intervention for Kilkenny as the Tipperary manager made it clear he never expected Kilkenny to challenge the result following the scoreboard confusion at the end of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final. Tipp secured their spot in the final against Cork after Oisín O’Donoghue’s late goal sealed the win, but a point from Noel McGrath near the end of normal time, which was waved wide by the umpire but added on the scoreboard, caused confusion on the day.
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Scoreboard Controversy Clouds Finish
The incident led the scoreboard to show Tipp leading 4-21 to 0-29, appearing to give them a four-point cushion. As a result, Kilkenny focused on getting a goal in the closing moments to force extra-time, unaware the real margin was narrower. Both Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng and Liam Cahill admitted after the game that they believed the final difference was three points when the match ended.
GAA’s Initial Error Adds to Confusion
The GAA initially confirmed Tipp’s score as 4-21, matching the scoreboard, before later correcting it. This added to the uncertainty surrounding the game’s final moments, overshadowing what was an intense and thrilling semi-final between the rivals.
Cahill Shares His Thoughts on the Matter
Speaking during Tipperary’s media day ahead of the All-Ireland final, Cahill shared his disappointment that the scoring confusion slightly took away from what was a brilliant contest. “It was very unfortunate,” he told RTÉ Sport. “It was a pity for the spectacle that it was, that it has diminished it somewhat. Unfortunately, human error does happen.”
Kilkenny’s Integrity Praised
Cahill made it clear that there was no expectation that Kilkenny would push for the result to be overturned in the boardroom. Under GAA rules, a result can only be challenged if the referee records a score incorrectly, which was not the case here, and Kilkenny chose not to pursue any formal objection.
Mutual Respect Between Rivals
Cahill was quick to praise Kilkenny’s approach to the situation, noting their respect and integrity despite the mix-up. “They have been really admirable and respectful in their approach to it,” he said. “We have huge respect for Kilkenny in Tipperary. That was never something that entered our thought process whatsoever, that Kilkenny would look to try and change the result in the boardroom. I’d like to think that if the shoe was on the other foot, we’d do the same thing in Tipperary.”
