Waterford's Rathgormack came agonisingly close to reaching their first Munster Final on Sunday afternoon but ultimately fell short by the slimmest of margins in their 0-08 to 0-09 loss to Dr Crokes.
While the dire conditions in Dungarvan did little to help the low-scoring game, it was a late refereeing decision which really left the Waterford side feeling aggrieved, with manager Kenny Hassett channelling his inner Jose Mourinho post-match, hitting out at the referee.
Despite eight-time Munster Champions Dr Crokes coming into the game as favourites, Rathgormack dragged them into an early battle of will that wouldn't end until the 64th minute when Jason Gleeson's last-ditch attempt dropped into the box and Conor Murray's subsequent shot was blocked - a move that immediately preceded the referee's final whistle.
It was a heartbreaking end to the year for a Rathgormack side who were the mere blow of a whistle or slight of a point away from reaching their maiden Munster Club SFC Final - something Kenny Hassett was only all too aware of when he was asked about the day's officiating post-match.
READ ALSO: "I Just Turned On The Spot And Ran In Behind" - Screeney Hails Team-Mate For 'Genius' Call
READ ALSO: CONFIRMED: All 7 Provincial Club Final Pairings And Draw For All-Ireland Semi-Finals
Kenny Hassett Channels inner Mourinho in telling post-match interview
Speaking after his side's one-point loss to Dr Crokes, Hassett gave his thoughts on a game where his side were not only 11-3 worse off in the first-half free count but were also denied a controversial 59th-minute free when Francis Roche ended up on the ground after a questionable two-man tackle just outside Dr Crokes box.
Taking inspiration from two of the camera's favourite coaches Jose Mourinho and Davy Fitz, the Rathgormack boss made his feelings known without saying much at all - copying Mourinho's famous interview and Fitz's infamous 'small fish don't get the breaks line'
He gave the quotes to Tomas McCarthy in the Examiner in today's paper:
José Mourinho once said 'if I speak, I'll be in trouble.' Look, you're bringing it up with me so it's obviously a conversation that's been had in the pressbox.
I didn't know the stat that it was 11-3 at half time. I thought Francis Roche at the end, as you say, should have had a free. He was going down on a ball and two lads converged on him.
Look, maybe the small counties don't tend to get these decisions sometimes. I don't know. I did speak so hopefully I don't get in trouble!
While Hassett was disappointed not to be leading his side into their maiden Munster final, he remained upbeat about what the next few years had in store for Waterford's back-to-back champions.
My words to them before we came away was what they've given this jersey, they should be proud of it. Their families should be proud of them and they should be proud of themselves because they've given an awful lot.
Next year will roll around and they'll be there again.
Having overcome Rathgormack, Dr Crokes will now meet Tipperary's Loughmore-Castleiney in the Munster Club SFC on Sunday, December 8th.
SEE ALSO: "Ask Enda About The First Half" - Ruairi Canavan Typically Modest After Outstanding Display
