EXCITED young Kerry GAA supporters met their heroes at Fitzgerald Stadium this Saturday with the vast majority oblivious to the one-man protest at the only open entrance to the grounds on Lewis Road.
A lone supporter stood silently with a homemade banner stating: “Gough Out: Neutral Referee Please”.
There had earlier been a call on social media for Kerry fans to support a protest opposing the appointment of David Gough as the match official for the Kerry v Dublin final but Kerry County Board officials and team manager, Peter Keane, moved swiftly to indicate their support for the decision to appoint the Meath man, who is living and working in Dublin, to take charge of the game.
Traffic ground to a halt on the approaches to the stadium from mid-morning as families flocked to meet and greet the players who will seek to crush Dublin’s five-in-a-row dream on September 1 and parking spaces were at an absolute premium anywhere within walking distance of the grounds.
The county board had official merchandise available at the stadium, including footballs, flags, bunting and other souvenirs, as well as autograph books which were available for €5.00 with proceeds going to the team training fund.
The majority of the young supporters got the opportunity to meet their players with signed jerseys and selfies the order of the day.
Gough’s appointment generated real controversy following comments made by former Kerry team boss, Eamonn Fitzgerald, and a number of former players but Kerry County Board Chairman, Tim Murphy, said while they were entitled to express personal opinions, the Kerry County Board and the team management had no issue with the appointment of Gough.
“We have complete confidence in the integrity of the people who made the decision to appoint David Gough as the referee and, ultimately, we have complete confidence in David Gough refereeing the All-Ireland football final,” Murphy stressed.
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