Kerry’s Paul Murphy says he has no qualms with David Gough being appointed to referee the All-Ireland football final.
It emerged yesterday that Meath man Gough will be the man in the middle for the September 1 decider as Kerry bid to stop Dublin becoming the first team in GAA history to win five senior All-Ireland titles in succession.
His appointment comes despite former Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice and ex-player Aidan O’Mahony insisting that he shouldn’t have been considered owing to the fact that he lives and works in Dublin.
Murphy played in the counties’ last Championship meeting in the 2016 All-Ireland semi-final when Kerry were possibly denied a replay after Gough failed to spot a foul on Peter Crowley by Kevin McManamon late on when there was just a point separating the teams.
However, the Rathmore man has “no issue whatsoever” with Gough taking charge of the game.
He said: “From a player’s point of view, to play in an All-Ireland is a pinnacle in your career. It's a landmark match. You've had to do a load of work to get there, and you want to perform to your best. And it’s no different for a referee.
“He’s an excellent referee; he has a huge body of work behind him. He wouldn’t be getting a match like the All-Ireland without that.
“So, look, I've no issue whatsoever with him getting the game the next day.
“It’s a high-pressure game, whoever gets it. And, look, I'm sure he’ll do a great job and he’ll do it to the best of his abilities.”
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
