NostalGAA: Aussie horror tackle on Jordan condemned as Ulster Club clash causes controversy

CROSSMAGLEN’S Ulster Club win over Cargin was marred by an allegation that the Antrim side’s midfielder Michael McCann was bitten during the 2-15 to 0-13 loss – a suggestion rejected by the Armagh champions.

One of our players, Michael McCann, was reportedly bitten,” said Cargin boss John Brennan. “I didn’t see it, I was too far away, but some of our players were very aggrieved about it and Michael has a mark on his neck.”

Crossmaglen manager Oisín McConville said they had carried out an investigation in their own changing room and were content that nothing untoward had happened.

On the field, Cross finished strongly with goals from the two Johnnies – Murtagh and Hanratty – sealing their spot in the next round.

Kilcoo were also into the hat after crushing Cavan champions Kingscourt 3-15 to 0-5.

Paul Devlin goaled in the first half with Jerome Johnston and Paul Greenan finding the net in the second half in what was an emphatic performance.

Also into the last four were Tyrone champions Trillick who edged out Donegal’s Naomh Conaill.

Goals from Niall Gormley and Daire Gallagher appeared to have the Reds in control, but Naomh Conaill, who lost Anthony Thompson to an early red card, fought back only to come up a point short.

Scotstown were also into the semi-finals after a 1-15 to 0-15 win over holders Sleacht Néill.

Darren Hughes was the man of the moment with 1-4 to send his side through.

Mayo’s player revolt, leading to the decision of Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly to step down after just one season in charge, opened the door to Stephen Rochford’s appointment. Rochford was the sole nomination for the vacant position with his ratification set for the end of the month.

“THUGS 2 Ireland 0” read one national paper’s headline as the international rules series between Ireland and Australia was thrown into doubt after a violent second test in Melbourne.

The hosts had eased to victory in the first leg and completed the job a week later, but the result was overshadowed by the over-aggressiveness of the Australian team.

Chris Johnson’s tackle on Philip Jordan was widely condemned. Replays showed just how horrible the high tackle was with the Australian player swinging a number of punches as the Irish players came to remonstrate.

The late Jim Stynes, Irish born but a famed AFL star, caused further outrage when he suggested that the initial challenge was only worthy of a yellow card and declared that Australia were only retaliating to Irish provocation.

Calls followed for the series to be discontinued, but it returned in 2006.

St Gall’s made it five football Antrim titles in a row as they eased past the challenge of Portglenone, winning 0-11 to 0-8.

Three points may have been the winning margin, but St Gall’s were always comfortable with Karl Stewart landing four points. Inspirational Sean Kelly did pick up an injury though.

Their opponents in Ulster would be Carrickmore, who advanced in the provincial series thanks to a 2-10 to 0-5 win over Fermanagh champions Teemore.

Conor Gormley’s goal-scoring form continued as he found the net twice for the Red Hand champions.

ARMAGH picked up an eye-catching win the National Football League as they defeated
All-Ireland champions Dublin by two points.

The Ulster side won 0-8 to 0-6 against an understrength Dublin, but Armagh were also without key quartet Kieran McGeeney, Cathal O’Rourke, Diarmaid Marsden and Paul McGrane.

It was a real battling performance in front of a big crowd – back then – at the Athletic Grounds.

The 4,000 would be seen as small given how fanatical the orange and white support is these days.

Donegal were far too strong for Tyrone as they won 0-16 to 0-7 in Ballybofey.

All but two of their points came from play with Tony Boyle and James McHugh having excellent outings for the Tir Chonaill County. Noel Hegarty was also able to shut down Peter Canavan – no simple task.

There was a bit of soul-searching for Derry though as they were hammered by Kerry, 2-15 to 0-7, in Ballinascreen.

Joe Brolly managed three points from play, a rare bright spot for the Oakleaf County.