Clonaslee St Manman’s and Rathdowney-Eriill ends in ambiguity after error in scoreline

Clonaslee St Manman’s have advanced to the semi-finals of this years Premier IHC after scoreboard controversy saw them defeat Rathdowney-Errill in Laois Hire O’Moore Park this evening.

Everyone inside the stadium thought that Niall Corbet’s goal in the dying embers of the game had brought the game to extra-time, however referee Patrick Phelan had Clonaslee St Manman’s ahead by two points with the score at 4-12 to 1-19.

Clonaslee St Manman’s 4-12

Rathdowney-Errill 1-21

(Referee’s score: Clonaslee St Manman’s 4-12 Rathdowney-Errill 1-19)

Rathdowney-Errill opened up proceedings with a point courtesy of Micheal Cleary after 60 seconds on the clock. The next two scores would also be scored by Barry Bowe’s men as they held an early three points to no score advantage. David Poyton and a second point from Cleary after a good run through the middle of the field.

Clonaslee St Manman’s got their first score after five minutes as DJ Callaghan split the posts of the town end of Laois Hire O’Moore Park. Ray Bowe pointed Rathdowney-Errill’s fourth of the contest as Clonaslee St Manman’s were affording them too much time to get their head up and raise a white flag.

Clonaslee St Manman’s came roaring back as they raised four white flags without reply. Paddy Hyland pointed a 65’ while Niall Corbet teed up Cian Conroy to put the sliotar over the black spot. Hyland got his second point in as many minutes as he scored another 65’. Cian Callaghan scored a sublime point over his shoulder as Clonaslee St Manman’s now led by five points to four. Aaron Costigan got his first score of the contest before the water break as the sides went in points apiece.

Half-back Bob Downey scored a splendid score just after the water break with Shane Dollard replying for Rathdowney-Errill. The next two scores came courtesy of Ray Bowe and Tadgh Dowling as both sides were serving up a cracking game of hurling.

Paddy Hyland added to his account before Corbet rattled the back of the Rathdowney-Errill net with a superb turn and finish. Hyland was to the fore again as he pointed his fourth of the match. Jordie Kavanagh ended the half with a stunning score over his shoulder as Clonaslee St Manman’s led by two at the break.

Rathdowney-Errill came out firing in the second half as they fired over the first three scores of the half. Paddy Hassett pointed a free while Poyton and Dowling added to their accounts.

That would be their last scores for quite some time as Clonaslee St Manman’s took the game by the scruff of the neck. Mick Hyland got Clonaslee St Manman’s second goal after a nice piece of build up from Cian Callaghan and Hyland. Cian Callaghan and Hyland pushed their side four points ahead before a third green flag was raised for Glenn McEvoy’s men. Hyland pointed another free as Clonaslee St Manman’s held an eight-point lead just before the water break. Their lead would be cut to four points however as a point from play from Dowling was followed with a 21-yard free from Hassett which nestled in the back of the net.

That goal gave Rathdowney-Errill a new lease of life as they put Clonaslee St Manman’s to the sword with eight more points without any resistance. Dowling, Hassett (free)and Cleary cut Clonaslee St Manman’s lead to a single point. Two points from Aaron Costigan with a two Kavanagh points sandwiched in the middle put Rathdowney-Errill four points up as we approached injury time.

Tom Smith pointed to leave three points between the sides. Corbet got his second goal of the game in the fifth minute of injury time as it looked to have levelled the game.

However, referee Patrick Phelan had Clonaslee St Manman’s up by two points rather than it a being a draw game so Clonaslee St Manman’s walked off the pitch as the victorious side but it won’t be the last we’ll hear about this situation.