I noticed that as well. But all the rules say is that the free should be moved forward 13m. It doesn't say whether the Ref or the player should bring the ball forward.
4.17 For an opposing player to be nearer than 13m to the ball before a free kick or a sideline kick is taken. PENALTY - Free kick 13m more advantageous than place of original kick up to opponents' 13m line.
4.18 To delay an opponent taking a free kick or sideline kick by hitting or kicking the ball away,not releasing the ball to the opposition, or deliberately not moving back to allow a quick free kick to be taken.
4.19 To interfere with a player taking a free kick or sideline kick by jumping up and down, waving hands, or any other physical or verbal interference considered by the referee to be aimed at distracting the player taking the kick. Exception A player holding his hands upright shall not constitute an interference.
PENALTY - FOR THE ABOVE FOULS Free kick 13m more advantageous than the place of original kick - up to opponents' 13m line.
I think Redcarrot - you need to actually read the rule book and then come back to us with the rule... as others have said the third man tackle has been gone for years. The player in possession may be tackled by more than one player.
Maurice Deegan did bring up the ball a few times and he was correct to do so in my opinion and it was annoying that when he brought the ball up he just placed it on the ground and while this was appropriate his placing of the ball did slow the attacking team therefore working in favour of slowing the play when the free was given.
I think Maurice had a fine game eventhough there is justification in the view that he gave Mayo a few dubious frees at the end of the first half.