‘This is not Irish dancing’ – Richie Hogan hits out at red card  

By COLIN BARTLEY

Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan has spoken out about that red card he received in the All-Ireland final saying it was an “honest challenge” and “absolutely no way a sending-off.”

In his first interview since the now infamous incident, the seven-time All-Ireland champion insisted he should never have seen red for his challenge on Tipperary’s Cathal Barrett in last Sunday’s decider.

Speaking to Joe Molloy on Off the Ball, Richie made it very clear he is not blaming anyone for the incident.

“It’s not an easy game to referee, so I wouldn’t be pointing any blame at James Owens, Cathal Barrett or anyone. It’s just a difficult situation,” the Danesfort man said.

“Hurling is an incredibly difficult game to referee. There’s a set of rules there but it’s hard to make up rules to fit the actual game. They spoke about your arm not being down by your side. This is not Irish dancing.

“We have hurleys in our hands, how do we hold a 36-inch hurley without bending your arm?”

“I turned around and saw him on the ground I thought, ‘It’s a free’.

“I was complaining (to James Owens) about getting a yellow card, because it was one of those clearly accidental, honest challenges.”

“My technique in shouldering was completely right; it’s just I didn’t hit his shoulder and that’s the way it worked out.”

Earlier today, Kilkenny legend Eddie Keher, speaking with KCLR, said he believes the Kilkenny County board should approach the GAA in an effort to get Richie’s red-card rescinded in order to maintain the four-time All-Stars good name.

“I think he should be exonerated from that and I hope they appeal the decision for his good name,” Keher said