Officials at the Kilalallagh Junior B Third Round clash between Tullyodea and St. Breemstacks were caught unawares as the game rapidly and unexpectedly descended into a good natured and sporting occasion.The contest between the two fierce local rivals began with the traditional brutal physical intensity. The opening exchanges of play included a melee, a fracas, a brouhaha, "handbags", a few
hefty challenges, "jostling", general over-enthusiasm and bad-tempered gamesmanship, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Then as quickly as all that had developed, the game took an unexpected turn. An unprovoked air of calm and camaraderie overcame both players as they began to fairly compete for the ball and disengaged in off the ball incidents. No old sores were reopened and no old scores were settled.
Both supporters and officials were shocked at some of the on-field antics by the players, which included handing the ball to their opponent when it had gone out of play, inquiring about the extent of their opponent's injuries, and graciously commenting on their opposite numbers' girlfriend/wife/sister/mother.
"There was no crut to that at all." commented local St. Breemstacks supporter Gerry MacWaterford. "In all my years I've never come across a match with such a lack in ugly incidents, pointless clashes, petty squabbling, and nasty, cynical football. It's shocking."
Neither teams management would comment after the game. Both coaches were not required to remonstrate with officials during the match, neither did they exchange words with each other, or have to take aside any of their players to cool them down.
The referee, Mickie 'Joe Mickie' Masters couldn't pinpoint what exactly sparked the outbreak of brotherhood and humanity amongst the players, but did admit that the "top brass" would be taking a look at the game and that it wouldn't not be the last we heard of it. He left to fill out his referees report which he said he would "probably be able to text in".
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