O'Fiaich Cup Louth V Derry

DERRY: 3-11
LOUTH: 2-10

Dark insignificant December night in Athletic Grounds in Armagh, or was it?

Little does the GAA world know but, the game of Gaelic football has now changed, forever. As tonight we saw the firstimplementation of the new Black card rule. The Player in question, who will carry this acrimonious honour forever? Derry’s Declan Mullan, a corner forward, of course!

The incident wasn’t exactly why the powers that be in the GAA wanted the rule introduced in the first place. A tackle which took place where no goal scoring opportunitywas denied. pure unadulterated cynicism? I think not.

In an evenly contested first half, Cian Doyle opened the scoring. The eighteen year old was one of eight debutants that started for Louth on the night. 

Derry then, with their edge in experience took over. Forcing Louth to concede a Emmett McGuckian penalty. The Eoghan Rua duo of Ciaran McGoldrick and Mullan inside were most industrious at this early stage, accounting for half of theirteams first half points between them. Solid defending was the foundation of their success.

However, The bright Louth team fought their way back into the game. Midfielder Daniel O’Connell intercepted a pass out of the Derry defence to set up Stephen Campbell who finished calmly to the bottom corner.  

Declan Byrne finished off the comeback with two sublime points off either foot. Yet Louth still went down a point down at the break.

At this stage there was no black cards and maybe an indication of the openness and quality play in the game?

Derry Manager Brian McIver eluded it was ‘Early in the year’ before correcting himself showing how far ahead he was in his preparations. ‘We had a meeting with two of our referee’s to educate our players on the new rule' but emphasised that ‘until they are in actual competition it is hard to tell.’

Overall he was happy with the game ‘Good run out for both sides and good game of football and the black card rule he thinks bodes well for the future ‘trend for the year high scoring matches‘

Louth brought their subs on during the break and started the half brightly, kicking three scores in a row. This sprung Derry management into action. Bringing substitutions of their own and They scored two points and levelled up the game.

Then the momentous moment happened Down Referee Brendan Rice produced the first black card in GAA history.This however was not a bad thing for Derry as it forced them to bring in Anthony O’Neill, who then scored a goal with his first touch! 

Brian White handed Louth a lifeline with a 45’ which was fumbled into the net by Derry returnee Fergal Doherty.

The powerful Derry side were in determined mood and really dominated from then on. Aaron Kerrigan got another goal and young Ciaran NcFaul ended proceedings with a fine point to match his display.

So remember the date folks, December 6th 2013. 

The day cyncism died in GAA? 

We’ll see.

Louth: S McLaughlin, C Murray, P Rath (Cap), T Costello; D Byrne (0-2), D O’Hanlon, K McLaughlin; B Donnelly, D O’Connell; S Hand, D Maguire(0-1), E O’Connor (0-1); S Campbell(1-1), K Rogers(0-3), C Doyle(0-1).
Subs: J Kermode for Donnelly, W Woods for Hand, White(0-1 145min) For Maguire, G Connolly for C Murray (all HT)D Finnegan for O’Connell(50)O’Connell for Kermode (65)

Yellow cards: 1 McLaughlin

Black cards: 0
red Cards: 0

Derry: T Mallon; O Duffy, C McKaigue, M McShane; C McAtamney, Aidan McAlynn, KMcKaigue; N Holly, F Doherty; C McWilliams, C McFaul(0-2), J Kearney; D Mullan(0-3 1f), E McGuckin(1-0pen), C McGoldrick (0-1).

P Cassidy for Holly B Heron for McWilliams k Johnstone (0-1) for Kearney (all 40mins) A O'Neill (1-1) for Mullan (50 mins) A Kerrigan(1-0),for McGuckian (55mins) SL McGoldrickfor K McKaigue(60)

Yellow cards: 0

Black cards: 1 Declan Mullan 50min
red Cards: 0

Referee: Brendan Rice (Down)