Another two-point controversy erupts in Derry SFC

Slaughtneil are believed to be considering their opinions amid claims that they should have been awarded a two-point score in the closing stages of last Sunday's Derry SFC semi-final against Newbridge.

Shane McGuigan kicked Slaughtneil into the lead in Owenbeg as the game moved into stoppage-time. However, referee Martin McErleane deemed that the shot was taken from just inside the 40-metre arc and awarded a one-pointer instead, despite Slaughtneil's protestations.

A minute later, Conor Doherty converted a two-point free for Newbridge after the match official had brought the ball forward by 50 metres as the holders went on to secure a 0-21 to 1-16 victory and a place in the final against O'Donovan Rossa, who overpowered 2024 All-Ireland champions Glen in the other last-four tie.

Video footage would suggest that McGuigan had one foot on the arc line when he took his shot, which doesn't bode well for any potential appeal from Slaughtneil.

There have been similar controversies recently in Mayo, Fermanagh and Offaly with mixed outcomes. While Hollymount’s objection to a contentious Kilmaine two-pointer in the Mayo IFC came to nought, and Shamrocks suffered a similar fate after they appealed the result of their Offaly SFC quarter-final defeat to Ferbane, a replay was ordered in the Fermanagh Division 1 League final after a video review confirmed that two late Derrygonnelly two-pointers against Erne Gaels were actually kicked from within the 40-metre arc.