There was an exhilarating and controversial finish to Saturday's evening's Eirgrid U21 Football Final. Despite a furious Tipperary rally at the death, Tyrone clung on to claim a dramatic victory. Cathal McShane's goal ten minutes from time proved decisive.
Fergal Logan and his backroom team celebrated wildly at the end. Following the usual protocol, he sought access to the Tipp dressing room afterwards to offer a few words of condolence and a few words of encouragement.
However, he found that he was barred from the Tipp dressing room. The news that he had been refused entry ran side by side with the news that Tipp were deeply unhappy with Tyrone's 'cynical' tactics.
Tipp manager Tommy Toomey said afterwards:
All along in front of us, I saw our players being hit and pushed and dragged. That to me is a different way to play football than we would.
Logan, who was emollient on the question of his barring from the Tipp dressing room, responded to allegations of cynicism with a curious remark about how the Tipperary hurlers go about their business. Listen below:
The match ended in very odd circumstances with ref Fergal Kelly awarding a free out to Tyrone, then consulting with his umpires before sending off Tyrone's Michael Cassidy. Somewhat mystifyingly, he did not withdraw the free out and throw the ball in. The final whistle blew immediately upon the kick being taken.
@dbrowne15 to be fair Tyrone manager tried to downplay things https://t.co/iG8JR3x8yL
— Philip Jordan (@PhilipJordan7) May 3, 2015
Can't believe Fergal Logan was refused access to Tipp changing room after game. No doubt Tipp are hurting but that is embarrassing at best
— Philip Jordan (@PhilipJordan7) May 3, 2015
Fergal Logan is a class act, great positive dignified response to usual vitriol and abuse and tremendous leadership to his players — The Red Hands (@gaaTyrone) May 3, 2015
@gaaTyrone Since 2003 any time Tyrone have won they've 'destroyed' football. Don't think this will ever change. We'll keep winning though!
— The Plath Diaries (@theplathdiaries) May 3, 2015
@TipperaryGAA Very sad to hear Fergal Logan was denied excess to Tipp dressing room after the game it's only a game#playinrightspirit — Michael Gallagher (@mickgsnr) May 3, 2015
Very poor sportsmanship from Tipp U21 Mgt for not letting Tyrone manager into the dressing room after the game! #sour #takeyourbeating
— Shane Gray (@ShaneBubbaGray) May 4, 2015
@TipperaryGAA wouldn't let Tyrone manager Fergal Login into dressing rooms after u21 final, said he wasn't welcome,classy stuff tipp #pricks
— Gareth Devlin (@gdevlin1912) May 4, 2015
