Donegal League game ends prematurely after just 53 minutes

The Temple Domestic Appliances Division 1 league game between Letterbarrow Celtic and Kerrykeel 71 came to an abrupt end on 53 minutes with referee, George Clinton, calling time.

The game had been transferred from Letterbarrow’s home venue of Tymeen to Eany Celtic’s ground at Inver and was progressing well in favour of the home side at the time, leading 3-0.

Kerrykeely 71 were down to nine men after James Kerr was sent off five minutes before half-time and then just five minutes into the second half, another red card was issued by the referee to Mark Friel. Friel was annoyed at the decision and had to be ushered by his teammates to the line.

However, only minutes later as the frustration of some of the Kerrykeel players and management became evident, the referee blew his whistle and said he was abandoning the game for his own safety.

Letterbarrow Celtic and Kerrykeel 71 players leaving the field together after game abandoned

The decision left both sets of players and management looking at each in astonishment as there hadn’t been any indication of that outcome.

Letterbarrow, sitting mid-table on 11 points, needed the result to consolidate their position, while Kerrykeel 71 are second from bottom of the table on four points and fighting to avoid relegation.

There was a minute’s silence prior to the game as a mark of respect for three recent deaths linked to the Letterbarrow club, Christopher Lowther, Harry Quinn and PJ Kelly.

Letterbarrow were full value for the half-time lead of 3-0, having looked much the better side in the opening half.

Kevin McBrearty was, arguably, the best player on view at centre-half for the home side, dominating in the air and on the ground. They were also dangerous up front with Christy ‘Winkers’ McLaughlin and Ian Campbell having efforts blocked while Shaun Kerr had an effort at the other end but it went well over Cathal Charlton’s crossbar.

The breakthrough came on 10 minutes when Christy McLaughlin cut in from the left and curled a lovely effort into the far corner past Shaun Friel.

James McGroary almost spectacularly added a second, his effort from 35 yards coming back off the crossbar with the ‘keeper beaten. At the other end Cathal t it carried to the far side of the area where Ian Campbell connected perfectly to send an unstoppable shot to the net.

It got better on 32 minutes when a free from Charlton had to be alert to stop a Jonathan Friel effort.

Letterbarrow added the second on 25 minutes, this time it was a cross from McLaughlin that created the chance. Gerard McBrearty almost made contact buKevin ‘Chuggsy’  McBrearty was not dealt with by a Kerrykeel defender and it fell to Campbell, who showed great composure, to lob Shaun Friel for a 3-0 lead.

Kerrykeel had claims for a penalty three minutes later when a shot for goal struck McBrearty’s hand but the referee deemed that it was down by his side. Whether that decision was a factor or not, Kerrykeel’s discipline slipped a little after that with firstly James Kerr being shown red before the break.

They almost got a goal back with the last attack of the half but Jonathan Friel’s header went inches wide of the post.

Then came the abrupt end to the game a minute after the second Kerrykeel red picked up by Mark Friel.

After the game representatives of both clubs were a bit dismayed at the ending which will probably mean the outcome of the game will come  before the disciplinary committee of the league.

Letterbarrow Celtic: Cathal Charlton, Barry Burke, Michael Coughlan, Evan Campbell, Kevin McBrearty, Des McGroarty, Martin Breslin, James McGroary, Christy McLaughlin, Gerard McBrearty, Ian Campbell. Sub: Nathan Maxwell for Breslin (ht).

Kerrykeel 71: Shaun Friel, Brendan McClafferty, Paul Coyle, Martin McAteer, Michael McDevitt, Mark Friel, Shaun Kerr, James Kerr, Michael Gibbons, Jonathan Friel, Shaun Patton.

Referee: George Clinton