In the days following the All-Ireland final, Kieran Donaghy adhered to the old-fashioned sporting omerta of 'what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch'.
In the heat of battle, he was less circumspect.
After the infamous tussle on the ground with Philly McMahon and Rory O'Carroll, he jogged up to David Coldrick, saying 'he (McMahon) gouged my eye on the ground, Dave'.
But Coldrick hadn't seen the incident and simply threw up the ball.
I didn’t see that now, Kieran... That was just two lads competing, that’s all... Lads, lads. It’s okay. It’s alright. It’s alright, Philly.
Philly and Coldrick had plenty of interaction throughout the seventy minutes.
Shortly before the controversial schemozzle on the fourteen yard line, McMahon was booked for persistent fouling on the advice of one of the Canal End umpires. Philly did not think much of the decision to book him.
McMahon - It’s always the back, It’s always the back
Coldrick - Why are you giving them an opportunity?
McMahon - Donaghy is hitting me when I am trying to make a block. David, I swear to God I didn’t do anything. I didn’t do anything.
Coldrick - You’re holding him the whole time.
McMahon - I’m not holding him! Fuck sake!
Coldrick's was mic'd up for tonight's RTE documentary 'All-Ireland Final Day', in which the cameras followed RTE commentator Darragh Maloney and legendary Kerry announcer Weeshie Fogarty.
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