Down GAA has criticised Kilcoo for their ‘completely baseless’ objection to Paul Faloon’s appointment as referee for last Sunday’s Down SFC final.

In an bizarre turn of events, 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. 

The controversy overshadowed the Magpies' 2-12 to 0-9 victory over Burren and prompted a lengthy statement from Down GAA who have vowed to ensure that there would be no right of appeal against the appointment of a referee in future.

"Whilst the final took place and we are very grateful to all of yesterday’s match officials, this was an extremely frustrating episode," the county board stated yesterday.

"As an association, we are constantly hearing and talking about the need to respect our match officials. The appointment of Paul Faloon should have been respected and it is disappointing that this was challenged in the way that it was.

"There should be no right of appeal against the appointment of a referee.

"We will examine this episode and consider what needs to be put in place to ensure that this never happens again."

Faloon’s club Drumgath have also expressed their disappointment at the treatment of the match official.

 

Down GAA Statement pic.twitter.com/yZhuLQIEwd

— Official Down GAA (@OfficialDownGAA) October 16, 2023

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