Clann Éireann manager slams Kelly red card

November 25, 2024

Armagh's Tiernan Kelly celebrates after scoring his side's first goal of the match ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Clann Éireann manager Ruairi Lavery believes Armagh All-Ireland winner Tiernan Kelly was ‘targeted’ in his side's agonisingly Ulster club SFC semi-final loss to Errigal Ciaran.

Kelly was sent off on a second yellow card in the 40th minute for a foul on Darragh Canavan as the Tyrone champions squeezed through to the final against Kilcoo thanks to Ruairi Canavan’s last-gasp winning point.

“He was targeted - let’s call it what it was,” an unimpressed Lavery told reporters afterwards.

“There’s no point in mixing the words up. He was absolutely targeted. That’s part of the game. He is such a vital part of our team that it is very hard for him to play on that tightrope when you are on a yellow card.

“That’s why you need TK (Tiernan Kelly) on the field if you are going to win an Ulster semi-final.”

The Clann Éireann boss also revealed how regular wing back Ryan Owens was unable to play after being involved in a car accident on Saturday night.

“Ryan was injured last night. He was actually involved in a car crash last night,” he added.

“When you put things into perspective. . . and credit to him he did everything possible to get out on to that field today. He is a massive player and a massive leader for us. It wasn’t to be unfortunately.”


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