Carney defends man of the match decision: 'I will stick to what I said, I think he deserved it'
By Kevin Murphy
Martin Carney has defended his decision to award Kerry’s James O’ Donoghue the man of the match award in Killarney last Saturday.
Speaking in the Irish Examiner today the TV pundit defended his decision while acknowledging it was an on the spot selection.
“I didn’t do this to garner attention or notice. I will stick to what I said. If people disagree, they are entitled to do so. I think he deserved it and I don’t say that in an arrogant tone.”
Carney represented Donegal and Mayo in his playing career and his off the cuff style of punditry is popular with the viewing public.
“On the night, I perhaps got it wrong. But at the time when asked the question ‘Who is your man of the match’ - I felt because of his effort, his consistent movement and trying to bring others into play, that James O’Donoghue deserved it.
“He had a very good game. I acknowledge I could have alternatively given it to Anthony Maher because of the way he kept Alan O’Connor out of the game, maybe he should have got the nod.
“Sometimes you get things wrong. If I did, I hold up my hands. But at the same time, what I would say is that it is a subjective thing.
“Because of the effort he made in a situation where he was under the cosh most of the time from Loughrey, it was a fine performance.”
Many observers expressed surprise at his selection on social media as the Legion club man appeared to be well marshalled on the night by Andrew Loughrey.
James O'Donoghue man of the match? Will be as embarrassed as Peter Canavan was picking up an All Star in 2005. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) July 18, 2015
@tonyleen I listened to 45 mins on Newstalk & they praised Loughrey & said O'Donoghue was struggling a bit. Turned on RTE TV & he was MOTM!?
— Mick O'Keeffe (@okmick) July 18, 2015
Martin Carney must be on drugs to give James O'Donoghue man of the match. James Loughrey has been sensational
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) July 18, 2015
O’ Donoghue managed to score just one point although his constant running kept the Cork defence very much on their toes.
In his interview after accepting the award O’Donoghue admitted that he was worried at half-time that he would be called ashore.
