Referee targeted after Summerhill defeat Tullamore

Summerhill (Meath) 1-09 Tullamore (Offaly) 1-07

Referee Barry Tiernan was knocked to the ground shortly after blowing the final whistle at the end of a frantic conclusion to this AIB Leinster Club SFC match at O'Connor Park Tullamore.

The Dublin official was being escorted from the pitch when he was approached by a supporter, while a number of others attempted accost him after he changed his mind over the awarding of a penalty to the hosts two minutes over the allocated four added minutes.

Tiernan originally awarded a close range free to Tullamore before consulting with his umpires and then pointing to the spot for a penalty. There were pushing and shoving between players as Paul McConway waited to take the kick and then following further consultation, this time with his linesman, he signalled a free instead of a penalty.

John Furlong’s effort for a goal was blocked in a crowded goalmouth and the final whistle eventually sounded shortly afterwards.

It was a game Tullamore should have sewn up long before that controversial ending but they squandered numerous chances, including a number of gilt-edge ones from frees. They led 1-05 to 0-06 at half-time and were never headed until substitute Kevin Ryan scrambled a goal for the Meath champions on 56 minutes. An earlier shot from Barry Dardis was blocked and Ryan eventually forced the ball over the goal line to leave his side leading 1-08 to 1-07.

Tullamore had a chance to draw level but Nigel Bracken who was successful with two earlier efforts hit a close range free wide of the target. Eoghan Frayne then pointed his side two clear on 62 minutes before Tullamore went in search of a match saving goal.

The sides were level on four occasions in the opening half before Michael Brazil