Yesterday's All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Dublin was an instant classic.
It was a game that was hugely hyped up in the buildup, with many expecting a very exciting clash featuring two top teams. While such billing can often lead to disappointment, there were no such issues on this occasion.
The pair of teams served up a thrilling game of football, one that was decided in the most dramatic of circumstances. The last minute free from Sean O'Shea has already been etched into Kerry folklore.
Sean O'Shea is never going to have to buy a pint again in his life.pic.twitter.com/qy5cvDJs6E
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 10, 2022
It was an incredible moment in a game that was not short on drama.
Between off the ball incidents, pieces of brilliant defending, and moments of pure attacking quality, it had it all. Of course, Sean O'Shea was involved in more than one of those incidents.
Paul Flynn feels Sean O'Shea should have been sent off
O'Shea's winning point will be remembered as his main contribution, but it was far from his only one. Not only did he score an early goal in the game, he would also miss a penalty late in the first half.
The aftermath of that miss caused some controversy, with some feeling that the Kerry man had been overzealous in his attempts to follow up on the rebound after Evan Comerford's save. He certainly made heavy contact with the Dublin goalkeeper, although the officials opted against taking further action.
Sean O'Shea's penalty is saved by Evan Comerford. He connects with the goalkeeper when attempting to score on the rebound.
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Not all feel that this was the correct decision.
Speaking on Second Captains, Dublin legend Paul Flynn said that he felt Sean O'Shea should have been sent off for this incident. However, he also said that he wouldn't have wanted him to receive his marching orders as it could have ruined what was a brilliant game.
Initially watching the penalty (at the game) I didn't have any idea why there was such a kerfuffle afterwards probably because I had my head in my hands!
But then I watched it back last night. To be quite honest with you - I'm obviously biased and people will think that - but to me, that's a red card.
And I'll take a pause there for a second because it is. And we can talk about it all we want.
It was accidental but he's in the goalkeeper's six-yard box...he pulls on the right boot. If he tried to poke it in that's fair game but it's the follow-through that kicks the goalkeeper in the head.
Last year with John Small's incident on Eoghan McLaughlin, which was an entirely different incident and I'm not trying to compare the two, but the words used by everyone were 'duty of care to the player.'
I think in this instance you can really hurt someone if you kick them in the head. And I wouldn't even have wanted it to be honest with you as it could have ruined the game.
You can listen to the podcast in full here.
It certainly seemed like an accidental collision, with the ball there to be won after Comerford's initial save.
In any case, Kerry supporters will be delighted that Sean O'Shea stayed on the pitch to kick that winning score late on.
SEE ALSO: McConville Praises Comerford For 'Football Smarts' During Dublin Vs Kerry
