Rossies will rue Handing over victory

ROSCOMMON had victory in the palm of their hands in the very last play against Tyrone.

After a heroic piece of play by Enda Smith, powering out of defence to deliver a beautiful pass to Gary Patterson, the Rossies earned a free in front of goal.

A simple tap over from 20 metres would have secured a famous win.

But to everyone’s disbelief Ultan Harney lost the head and pushed

Niall Morgan to the ground (above).

Yes, Morgan pushed his knee against Patterson – but why would an inter-county player at this level do something so costly to his team?

Losing the plot at such a critical time, given the magnitude of the situation, was disastrous.

Hopefully Harney can learn from this experience and take that type of reaction out of his game.

The Roscommon supporters sank in their seats with their heads in their hands right in front of me.

Their annoyance was obvious to all – as was Smith’s at the end when he was on his knees, hitting the ground a thump in anger.

If they go down to Division 2 then they won’t forget this moment of madness for a long time.

That point may be the difference and I still can’t get my head around it.