Mayo secured a nervy victory over Monaghan in Clones this evening, fighting off a second half comeback from the hosts to run out as winners on a scoreline of 1-24 to 2-20.

Andy Moran’s side probably should have been more comfortable in this game. They led by 11 points at halftime, having kicked seven two-pointers in the opening period.

However, Monaghan would produce a spirited comeback after the interval. They clawed away at that lead throughout the second half, with a goal from Stephen Mooney late on getting them back within touching distance.

Mayo would eventually run out as winners with one point to spare. Considering the narrow margin of victory, a big decision earlier on in the game would turn out to be a costly one from Monaghan’s point of view.

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Umpire Call Proves Costly In Monaghan Loss To Mayo

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Monaghan would lose this game by just one point, although the outcome could have been different had they not had what looked like a clear point chalked off earlier in the contest.

It came when Bobby McCaul produced a powerful shot from close range in the second half. While it appeared as though the ball went over the bar, it was waved wide by the umpires. Referee David Coldrick did not overrule their call.

Speaking on RTÉ after the game, both Conor McManus and Lee Keegan said that Monaghan had been robbed of what could have been a key score in the game.

McManus: I called it at the time. You could see the reaction from the Monaghan fans who had the perfect angle of it. The ball went straight over the bar, you can see it here.

Keegan: [McCaul’s] reaction as well, he put his hand up as if it was a point.

McManus: It was kicked with the ferocity it was kicked with, I’m not sure if the umpires could actually see it…

I don’t think we HawkEye here to be honest with you, that ball is straight over the bar.

It comes out to Bobby [McCaul], outside of his foot. That is straight over the bar…

Keegan: It’s a big decision.

McManus: I’m not sure if the the Monaghan management are aware of that one yet, but they will not be too happy with that one being waved wide.

McCaul, who was the star performer for Monaghan, was taken off due to what looked like a potentially serious injury soon after.

Irish Examiner journalist Maurice Brosnan informed Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan about the potential mixed point after the game, with Brannigan saying such a missed decision should not be possible with two umpires present.

From where I was I couldn’t see that. I didn’t know if that was the case.

If it was it’s going to make it even tougher. It’s a one point defeat and if a point was waved wide that shouldn’t happen with two umpires there.

If it did, that’s even more gutting for all of us. A lot of things went against us there today. There were the injuries and a coupe of other things at different times.

That would be really hard to take if that’s true.

While we will never know if this score would have made a difference, the narrow margin of Monaghan’s loss means that they will no doubt feel aggrieved to see the point not given.

From Mayo’s perspective, they will just be relieved to emerge from this game with a win after what was a fairly dreadful second half performance.

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