Shamrocks have lost their appeal against their controversial Offaly SFC quarter-final defeat to Ferbane.

Ferbane edged a thrilling encounter by 3-15 to 2-17 at Glenisk O’Connor Park last Sunday week, but Shamrocks subsequently objected to the result amid claims that Ferbane’s Adam Egan was incorrectly awarded a two-pointer in the fifth-minute. Video footage would suggest that Egan’s effort was kicked from just inside the new 40-metre arc.

The appeal was also lodged without Shamrocks joint-managers John Monaghan and Brian Kinnarney being consulted, and they stepped down from their positions in protest.

The Offaly Competitions Control Committee (CCC) heard the appeal last Thursday night and enforced the rule that a score given or not given during a game cannot be overturned. Shamrocks could have taken their case to the Leinster Council, but felt they were given a fair hearing by the CCC and decided not to.

“The Shamrocks Executive Committee and Players Group convened this evening (Friday) to consider the outcome of our appeal concerning the result of the Tullamore Court Hotel Senior Football Championship quarter-final,” a statement released by the Rahan-parish club read.

“Following careful discussion, we have unanimously agreed not to pursue the matter further. While we are disappointed with the decision of the County Board, we are satisfied that our case was given a fair hearing. It has been confirmed that no rules were contravened in the awarding of the additional point to Ferbane.

“We extend our best wishes to Ferbane and to the other remaining teams as they continue their campaigns in this year’s championship.

“We also wish to place on record our respect for the match officials. We recognise the challenging nature of their role and greatly value the dedication, integrity, and commitment they contribute to the game.

“As a club, our attention now turns to the future, and we look forward with renewed focus to returning to the field of play in 2026.”

Shamrocks’ decision not to pursue the matter any further means Ferbane’s SFC semi-final against Edenderry can go ahead as planned on Sunday. It forms the first part of a Glenisk O'Connor Park double-header with the other last-four tie between three-in-a-row chasing Tullamore and Rhode.

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