A mass scuffle overshadowed yet another GAA encounter yesterday evening between De La Salle College and Gaelcholaiste Mhuire an Mhainistir Thuaidh in Dungarvan.
With eight minutes remaining in the Harty Cup clash, ugly scenes broke out between players, substitutes and mentors, leaving one player requiring attention for a head injury.
Referee Thomas Walsh didn't have any umpires or linesmen to assist him, leaving the official with an impossible situation to deal with.
To his credit, Walsh called all 30 players to the centre of the field and pleaded with them to keep their discipline for the remainder of the game.
As reported by the Irish Examiner, he is believed to have said: "Please play the game of hurling for the last 10 minutes."
Thankfully, the remainder of the game was completed and no further incidents occurred.
The GAA has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, with several incidents including referees and officials.
As a result, the respect the referee campaign was launched to champion officials and supply the respect that they deserve.
The game itself finished with a comprehensive victory for De La Salle, winning by a scoreline of 1-17 to 1-8.
Scorers for De La Salle College: Jack Twomey 1-7 (6fs), Colm Hartley 0-4 (3fs), David Leavey 0-2, Donnacha Fitzpatrick, Rory Wymberry, Aaron O'Neill, Conor Keane 0-1 each.
Scorers for Gaelcholaiste Mhuire an Mhainistir Thuaidh: Ross Ó Súilleabháin 0-8 (8fs), Colm Ó Riagáin 1-0.
