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31 Jan 2026

LATEST: GAA statement on scoreboard confusion in Kilkenny and Tipperary hurling semi-final

Noel McGrath shot registered as score despite being waved wide by umpire

LATEST: GAA statement on scoreboard confusion in Tipperary and Kilkenny hurling semi-final

Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The GAA has issued a statement on the confusion that arose during Sunday's thrilling All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final between Tipperary and Kilkenny at Croke Park.

After Oisín O’Donoghue struck a goal in the 69th minute to put Tipperary three points ahead, the major controversy of the tie followed, when Noel McGrath’s shot at goal was registered as a point on the scoreboard, despite being waved wide by an umpire. That put Tipp four points in front, or so everyone thought. 

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Following Jordan Molloy’s point in the second minute of additional time to bring Kilkenny’s total to 30, Kilkenny chased a goal in the dying stages on the understanding that they were three points in arrears and needed one to force extra time, when they could possibly have aimed for the two points they needed to draw the game. 

The final scoreline was given as 4-21 to 0-30 in Tipperary’s favour on the scoreboard and RTÉ television.

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However, the GAA later released a statement, saying "The GAA can confirm that the official score at the end of the Tipperary v Kilkenny GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final was 4-20 to 0-30.

"The GAA acknowledges there was confusion over the final score. The CCCC is awaiting the full referee's report (from Wexford official James Owens) in order to establish how the initial mistake occurred".

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