Offaly club opts against objecting to hurling result

AN Offaly GAA have decided against objecting to the result of their Senior “B” Hurling Championship opener on Friday evening.

Clodiagh Gaels have decided not to appeal the result of their 1-15 to 0-18 draw with newly promoted Carrig-Riverstown after a thrilling, very tight game in O'Connor Park. By agreement, it also doubled as the Division 2 Hurling League final which Clodiagh Gaels won 2-1 on penalties – the teams decided to go straight to a penalty shootout rather than play extra time to decide the league honours.

The championship points, however, were the big prize on offer and many observers at the game believed that a score was missing at half time – the score was given as 0-7 to 0-6 by referee Kyle Waters in Clodiagh Gaels' favour but they and others believed it should have been 0-7 to 0-5.

The confusion arose over a 19^th minute Brendan Hoctor free for Carrig-Riverstown which was waved wide and not registered on the scoreboard until half time.

Clodiagh Gaels examined a video of the game which confirmed that the point did not seem to be awarded at the time and they did consider lodging an appeal to the result. However, club chairman Adam Kinahan confirmed on Monday morning that they have decided against pursuing this route out of respect to all the parties involved and the result will stand.

Whether they could win an appeal on such a basis is hard to know. Normally video evidence can only be used to overturn a red, yellow or black card and not for contesting scores or other flash points. The referee's report is normally final when it comes to the score and even if Clodiagh Gaels were able to win the case, the only possible outcome would be a refixture.

The wise option is to let the result sit and both sides have their fate in their own hands – four of the six teams qualify for the semi-finals. Clodiagh Gaels and Carrig-Riverstown are among the favourites in this competition, where Kilcormac-Killoughey set out their stall when they destroyed Birr by 7-17 to 0-17 on Saturday.

Lee Hogan got the final equaliser from a free for Carrig-Riverstown on Saturday evening while Liam Langton was off target with a last gasp one to win it for Clodiagh Gaels.

The Senior “B” Hurling Championship is generally one of the competitions of the year in Offaly and this year will be no different.

Clara had to work hard to beat battling Lusmagh in the other game in the opening round, 0-23 to 1-17.

The first round suggests that the holders, Kilcormac-Killoughey are the favourites while Clodiagh Gaels, Carrig-Riverstown and Clara will all fancy their chances. Lusmagh will be a tough nut to crack while Birr will be the rank outsiders, though they should improve from the opening round – they were down players through suspension and holidays and had a small panel in Banagher on Saturday.

Meanwhile the Intermediate Hurling Championship also started last weekend. Seir Kieran made a flying start to beat Shamrocks by 1-23 to 0-18 in Birr on Friday evening while Drumcullen made the start they needed with a run away 4-23 to 0-4 win over Edenderry in the other group 1 game on Saturday afternoon. In group 2, Shinrone edged out Ballinamere by a point, 1-17 to 1-16 and Coolderry had a fine 4-19 to 3-14 win over St Rynagh's.