It would be an absolute travesty if full panel cannot attend final – Kiely

LIMERICK manager John Kiely has said it would be an “absolute travesty” if additional panel members were not permitted to attend an All-Ireland final in Croke Park in just under two weeks’ time.

Renewing his post-Munster final call for the extra players, beyond the 26 already allowed in, to attend, Kiely felt a move to Level 3 should facilitate that now.

“If they don’t leave the players come to the final, that would be a real travesty, that would be an absolute travesty. That would be a massive mistake. It would be an unforgivable mistake if they don’t leave the players come to the final, unforgivable, unforgivable,” he continued.

“Level 5 restrictions finish on Tuesday so I hope they will, for both counties’ sakes and for the players’ sakes on both sides, that’s really important and I hope they do. Weren’t they only talking about bringing supporters during the week?”

Other managers have echoed Kiely’s call and the matter could be discussed as the GAA examine what ‘approved’ matches can take place as the country moves to a different level. Kiely was critical of the free count against Galway and also had issues with the amount of added time at the end of the first half, that allowed Canning to land his third sideline.

“There was four minutes added time. It was then four minutes and 10 seconds into added time and the natural thing when the ball goes out of play is to blow it up for half-time but play was allowed to continue for another 40 seconds, 25 per cent additional time added on for what, I don’t know.

“There was no break in play, so there was a few bits and pieces we would not be happy with but we move on to the next day and there’s a lot of things we need to work on and we’ll work really hard on that.”