Wicklow are set to be without three of their first choice defenders for the first round of the All-Ireland football qualifiers on the weekend of July 4/5. Full back Damien Power suffered a suspected broken ankle in yesterday's Leinster SFC extra-time defeat to Westmeath, while wing back Paddy Dalton and corner back Alan Byrne were also forced off with suspected broken collarbones. Wicklow were furious that Cavan referee Joe McQuillan had allowed play to continue while Power received treatment from both the Wicklow and Westmeath team doctors in the second half. The situation was compounded when Power's marker, Conor Lynam, scored a crucial point for the Lake County during the same period. Wicklow manager Mick O'Dwyer complained afterwards: "He had to be taken off on a stretcher and he (McQuillan) kept the play flowing. Sure, that's out of order completely." But he went on to say: "There's no point talking about refs, to hell with them, and they do a good job, considering." Tweet

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