BALLYSKENACH/Killavilla are still reeling following their 1-12 to 1-11 defeat at the hands of St. Brendan's in the Offaly Under 21 'A' hurling championship at Shinrone on St. Patrick's Day as they feel that the match referee made an error in his score keeping.
The score board at half-time of this quarter-final encounter read - Ballyskenach/Killavilla 1-8, St. Brendan's 1-6 - but following an order from referee Brendan Keeshan the score board was changed to read - Ballyskenach/Killavilla 1-7, St. Brendan's 1-7.
Officials with the Ballyskenach/Killavilla side are reported to have been "amazed" when they arrived out on to the pitch for the second half and had it confirmed to them by the referee that the score was 1-7 apiece.
There was further controversy in the closing minutes of the match.
At the time, St. Brendan's were leading 1-11 to 1-10 and they were awarded a 21 metres free which, according to the referee and his umpires, went over the bar. However, incensed Ballyskenach/Killavilla supporters felt that the shot had gone wide.
And before the final whistle Ballyskenach/Killavilla went up field and grabbed a late point from a deflected free.
Ballyskenach/Killavilla have requested that the General Purposes Committee of the Offaly G.A.A. County Board look into the events of last Friday's match at Shinrone.
In a letter to the board, Ballyskenagh/Killavilla referred to the recent U-21 HC match against St Brendan's, which the Birr dominated side won by 1-12 to 1-11. Ballyskenagh's Colm Lalor stated that at half time the score board read 1-8 to 1-6 and there was agreement between both sides that it was the correct score.
But when they reappeared for the second half the scoreboard read 1-7 each. "I asked the referee about it and he replied that a point went missing somewhere", said Mr Lalor.
Mr Lalor added that a St Brendan's free near the end also went wide. He spoke to the St Brendan's manager afterwards and was told that if the General Purposes Committee ordered a replay they would have no problem with it.
Mr Lalor continued that they requested the General Purposes Committee to investigate the matter but were told the referee's decision was final. "Does that mean referees can do what they like", asked a clearly angry Mr Lalor.
General Purposes Committee chairman, Brendan Byrne replied that the referees report contained the scoreline of 1-12 to 1-11 and made no mention of any controversy apart from some abuse from Ballyskenagh/Killavilla supporters at the end. "As is normal, the referee's report is final and as per rule we had to adopt the report", outlined Mr Byrne.
Killavilla delegate, Danny Bergin stated that the matter was very disheartening for them.
Answering queries from other clubs, secretary Christy Todd stated that he had received no official correspondence from the St Brendan's club on the matter.
St Brendan's secretary, Brian O'Neill added that he had never been approached officially on the matter.
There was harsh words to come from Ballyskenagh chairman Mick O'Hara. "This has left us in a very serious situation. Some of our young hurlers are threatening not to hurl in the Senior Hurling Championship under this particular referee. The situation is if we had to play a match in Shinrone under Shinrone officials we would rather play in the opposition's ground under their officials."
(County Board Report in Offaly Express 15th April 2000)