Leinster U21FC: Garda escort for ref as Dublin win
March 18, 2010Carlow 0-13(aet)
Referee Joe Curley needed a garda escort from the Dr Cullen Park pitch yesterday as Dublin claimed a controversial Cadbury Leinster U21FC semi-final victory over Carlow.
The home support was incensed by the Meath official's decision to award a free-out to the visitors at the end of extra-time when the outstanding Brendan Murphy appeared to be fouled. Had a free-in been awarded, Carlow would almost certainly have forced a replay.
There was little to separate the sides at any stage who were level on six occasions. Beaten 2007 Leinster minor finalists Carlow led by 0-7 to 0-6 at half-time with former Sydney Swans player Murphy giving a master-class at midfield. The home side looked to have shaken off the visitors when substitute Cathal Coughlan kicked them into a 0-10 to 0-9 lead in the 59th minute, but Dublin came back to level through another sub, Barry O'Rourke, who kicked 0-3 in all.
Carlow regained the lead in extra-time through Murphy, but with senior Rory O'Carroll, Sean Murray, Nicky Devereux, Cian Mullins, Gary Sweeney and O'Rourke to the fore, the visitors led by 0-13 to 0-11 at half-time and held on in the second period. Tweet
