Kieran Donaghy doesn't believe there was any intent on Philly McMahon's part in the All-Ireland final 'eye gouge' incident.

The Dublin defender was subsequently slapped with a one match ban after his hand came in contact with Donaghy around the eye area in the closing stages of this year's Sam Maguire Cup decider.

At the time, the Kerry captain protested to referee David McColdrick but, in an interview with Radio Kerry, he claimed he was frustrated at the failure of the official to award him a free.

"There was two or three Dubs sowing it into me and I was fighting for my life for the ball.

"My point in going out was more over why it was a hop ball. It's a free in - there were three of them pulling me, or else it's a free out for over-carrying. What's the hop ball for?

"He didn't have an answer for me and he threw it up. We went on from there and nearly got a break form it. It didn't work out."

He added: "I don't think he (McMahon) meant it. He's the only one who knows. He was going for the ball, like he said and I was going for the ball to the best of my ability."

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