Drumgath 'extremely disappointed' at Down SFC final referee controversy
October 16, 2023
Referee Paul Faloon. ©INPHO/Tom Maher.
The club of referee Paul Faloon, who was initially appointed to take charge of yesterday's Down SFC final, has expressed its disappointment at his late replacement.
In what were an extraordinary chain of events in the Mourne County, Meath's David Gough was drafted in to replace his fellow inter-county referee after Kilcoo had objected to Faloon's appointment. However, Gough then withdrew, leaving stand-by referee Brian Higgins to fill the void and ensure the final went ahead.
In a statement issued last night, Drumgath GAC made its feelings on the matter known: “The committee and members of Drumgath GAC are extremely disappointed in the turn of events that led to our club referee, Paul Faloon, not officiating the Down GAA Morgan Fuels Senior Football Championship Final today.
“We are very proud to have Paul represent our club on a national basis, he is one of the most highly regarded officials in the country and this should be recognised and protected within our own county.”
The controversy overshadowed Kilcoo's 2-12 to 0-9 victory over Burren which secured an 11th Down SFC title in 12 years for the Magpies.
— Drumgath GAC (@drumgath_gac) October 15, 2023Tweet
