NFL Division Four:WHILE LIMERICK registered their third successive win on Saturday on a scoreline of 1-8 to 0-9, they were extremely fortunate as Longford had a goal disallowed in a highly controversial finish at Pearse Park.
Deep into injury-time, the home county were awarded a last gasp-free right in front of the posts and, while the kick taken by Francis McGee was blocked down, the ball ended up in the back of the net with Séamus Hannon getting the vital touch in a frantic scramble.
Longford’s joy at seemingly snatching their first victory of the season was quickly turned to despair as Westmeath referee Seán Carroll, having indicated to McGee that his free was the final kick in the fifth minute of additional time, appears to have forgotten about the current experimental rules which states that the final whistle can only be blown when the ball goes out of play.
Thus, Longford ended up with nothing after putting in a very determined effort to overcome the handicap of having a player sent-off with 11 minutes gone in the second half as half-forward Danny Keenan received a straight red card following a clash with Limerick defender Pa Ranahan.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Leitrim picked up their first competitive win of 2010 – defeating Kilkenny by 4-18 to 1-4 in Carrick-on-Shannon, while Wicklow were 4-13 to 1-5 winners over London at Ruislip, and Carlow and Waterford couldn’t be separated – the match at Dr Cullen Park ending 1-11 each.
