GAA president Christy Cooney hopes that the media will leave Martin Sludden alone following his mistake in the Leinster SFC final
Sludden came under fire by allowing a late Joe Sheridan goal to stand in the Louth v Meath Leinster SFC final, which swung the match in Meath’s favour. Matters were made worse by the timing of the goal, as it occurred in the dying moments of the game.
Sludden since admitted that a mistake had been made, though Meath eventually declined the opportunity to offer Louth a rematch. In defence of Sludden, Cooney said, “I hope he is allowed to move on and concentrate on future refereeing assignments without disruption or distraction”.
“Martin Sludden’s role in the Leinster final has been well documented, and at this stage it needs to be pointed out that he held his hands up and admitted his mistake after that match”.