Oulart The Ballagh have released a statement regarding their controversial Wexford senior hurling preliminary quarter final loss to Rapparees.
Rapparees won last weekend's game but a refereeing error cast a shadow over the victory, though the original result stands thanks to a 'magnanimous and dignified' statement from Oulart-The-Ballagh.
Rapparees player Floyd Murphy was shown his second yellow card in the 51st minute of the contest but was not sent off.
The mistake was copped by commentators and seemingly by the Rapps' management team who subbed him off three minutes later.
The 2021 champs led by three points at the time of Murphy's second yellow but Oulart subsequently tied the game up, before two late goals put a gloss on the scoreline for the Rapps.
Oulart-the-Ballagh star Billy Dunne. Sportsfile.
The Enniscorthy club won the game by 4-15 to 2-13 with a wonder-goal from county star Kevin Foley turning the momentum in their favour in the 58th minute, before Darragh Pepper finished the job with a late goal.
But the mistake had the potential to cause controversy and potentially a delay to the championship.
13-time Wexford champs Oulart-The-Ballagh put out a statement on Sunday, acknowledging but accepting the mistake.
"As a club we chose not to appeal the incident," it read.
"However we feel that for the integrity of this competition and all future Wexford GAA competitions when errors occur and there is evidence to confirm the error, the CCC should initiate an investiagation."
"Oulart the Ballagh wish Rapparees all the best in the rest of the Wexford SHC."
Read the full statement below.
It's been a trying year for Oulart-the-Ballagh, who now find themselves in relegation play-offs at senior, intermediate A and Junior level.
The senior relegation final takes place in the coming weeks against Cloughbawn while their senior camogie team were also beaten by Glynn Barntown in the semi-final last weekend.
The club were widely praised for their response to this controversy.
"I have to tip my hat here," said Pat Somers on Facebook.
"I was listening to the latter stages on the radio. Knowing you have been wronged but wishing the victors success going forward. That's just class in my opinion and coming from a townie all be it a long time since I played.
"It shows why the club are held in such a high regard in the county. Fair play lads."
