Declan Bonner ‘baffled’ as two-pointer controversy marrs Fermanagh league final 

Declan Bonner expressed his frustration with what he described as poor officiating after late controversy played a decisive role in Sunday’s Fermanagh league final. 

With just three minutes to play, Bonner’s Erne Gaels led 0-15 to 0-13, and looked set to edge it. But controversy followed when Derrygonnelly’s Jarlath Flanagan struck a score from inside the 40m arc, which was mistakenly awarded as a two-pointer.

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That decision brought the sides level but, in the dying stages, former Fermanagh player Stephen McGullion landed the winning point for Derrygonnelly.

Again, video evidence clearly shows that it should have been a one-point score but it was again marked down as a two-point effort. 

Speaking afterwards, Bonner admitted his side would quickly turn their focus to the upcoming championship, but he could not hide his disbelief at how the closing stages were handled.

“Fair play to Derrygonnelly, they showed great heart and character to come back so well. For us it’s over and its done.

“But it beggars belief, that a referee and seven other officials could not spot what everyone else in the ground could see.

“It was clear that the last two points were not taken from outside the 40-metre arc. There was enough officials and how they got it wrong is just baffling. 

“We have a championship coming up in two weeks time and that is where our focus is at the minute. It is disappointing as it could have been a draw but that is irrelevant but there were mistakes made and it certainly should not be happening at this level.

“But it did happen, and we all could see the infringements were well inside the arc and that is the frustrating thing.”