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Ulster Club Semi-Final Abandoned at Half-Time Over Unsafe Healy Park Pitch

Ulster GAA cited player safety, with its competition committee to arrange a replay.

Overview

  • Referee Joe McQuillan halted the Newbridge–Scotstown tie after a halftime inspection found puddles and sodden patches posed a risk.
  • Scotstown led 1-4 to 0-3 when the match was called off.
  • McQuillan conducted a halftime "bounce test" with both managers present and said he had not inspected the surface before the game.
  • Ulster GAA president Micheál Geoghegan backed the decision, and a re-fixture decision was slated for Sunday night by the Ulster Council Competition Committee.
  • Heavy rain and wear from an earlier extra-time game worsened conditions, prompting renewed scrutiny of Healy Park, as Scotstown's manager voiced respect for the call despite frustration and Newbridge offered no comment.