Leitrim claimed victory right at the death when a Ryan O'Rourke penalty conversion at Carrick-on-Shannon helped them pip Wexford by a point 3-7 to 2-9 in Carrick-on-Shannon.
John Hegarty's managed side held a 2-9 to 2-7 lead in additional time after a second-half comeback. However, Leitrim’s O’Rourke had other ideas and floated in a hit-and-hope ball.
Eoin Porter emerged with possession, but referee Mark Dorrian from Donegal, who was taking charge of his first game at inter-county, believed that Gavin Sheehan had fouled Barry McNulty and awarded a penalty to the bewilderment of Wexford players, past and present
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Wexford reaction to Leitrim
When the incident circulated online on twitter after after the game, it’s safe to say people didn’t know how the referee concluded it was a penalty. Even Leitrim great Emlyn Mulligan was surprised.
Delighted for us obviously to get the win today but on an officiating side of things, this is a shocking call! https://t.co/Z35eyhUBOI — Emlyn Mulligan (@emlynmulligan) February 18, 2024
Former Wexford footballer Anthony Masterson said the incident was 'toughto watch'.
“I thought Liam Spratt was being biased on the radio when he was complaining about the penalty, but this is tough to watch … Such a crucial time of the game. Surely, a ref has to be 100% certain there’s been a foul.
I thought @liam_lspratt was being biased on the radio when he was complaining about the penalty but this is tough to watch … Such a crucial time of the game surely a ref has to be 100% certain there’s been a foul 🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/Pb0SF3ErCo — Anthony Masterson (@antomasterson1) February 18, 2024
Hegarty's men did have the opportunity to level the game after the spot kick, but they lost possession on two occasions as they failed to get the crucial point to salvage something out of it.
The result was a hammer blow to Wexford’s promotion chances as it still leaves them on two points after three games, while for Andy Moran’s Leitrim, lady luck is undoubtedly on their side as this smash-and-grab result leaves them level on points with Laois at the top of the table with Laois on six with promotion a real possibility.
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