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Clann Eireann boss Ruairi Lavery claims Tiernan Kelly was “targeted” by Errigal Ciaran in semi-final loss
It proved to be a huge turning point in the game and Clann Eireann manager Ruairi Lavery didn’t mince his words when he was asked about Tiernan Kelly’s red card during Sunday’s Ulster Club SFC loss to Errigal Ciaran in Newry.
The Armagh All-Ireland winner picked up a second booking for a foul on Darragh Canavan 10 minutes into the second half having been booked in the first half.
Kelly was involved in a few flashpoints throughout a physical semi-final clash with Ben McDonnell being booked for an off-the-ball challenge on the Clann Eireann midfielder just minutes before Kelly was dismissed by Joe McQuillan.
Read more: Recap as Ruairi Canavan’s nine-point haul helps Errigal Ciaran edge out 14-man Clann Eireann
“He was targeted - let’s call it what it was,” stated Lavery.
“There’s no point in mixing the words up. He was absolutely targeted. That’s part of the game. He is such a vital part of our team that it is very hard for him to play on that tightrope when you are on a yellow card.
“That’s why you need TK (Tiernan Kelly) on the field if you are going to win an Ulster semi-final.”
Lavery also revealed that wing-back Ryan Owens was a late withdrawal from the starting 15 after being involved in a car accident on Saturday night.
“Ryan (Owens) was injured last night - He was actually involved in a car crash last night (Saturday),” added Lavery.
“When you put things into perspective. . . and credit to him he did everything possible to get out on to that field today. He is a massive player and a massive leader for us. It wasn’t to be unfortunately.”
When substitute Rioghan Meehan had replied to a stunning Ruairi Canavan score in stoppage-time, it looked like Sunday’s semi-final was heading for extra-time in Páirc Esler.
However, the younger Canavan sibling was a handful all afternoon for the Clann Eireann defence and his ninth point sealed a 0-14 to 1-10 win and a final meeting with Kilcoo for Enda McGinley’s side.
“I’m still trying to process it - those last 10 minutes were crazy.” reflected Lavery.
“I’m obviously very disappointed, but I’m extremely proud as well. In fact, I’m honoured to be associated with those men today.
“There were a few things that happened before the game and during the game that just didn’t go our way. When you get to this stage against a very good team like Errigal Ciaran, it just comes down to the small moments.
"When you’ve boys like Ruairi and Darragh Canavan on the field, you know you can’t make one mistake. I thought, at times, we hung in there and we were heroic in our defending. That is football and that’s the way it goes.”
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