GAA president Liam O'Neill has apologised for the Hawk Eye error that denied the Limerick minor hurlers a legitimate point during the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway at Croke Park in August.
Galway went on to win the game in extra time after the score detection system had been incorrectly configured and failed to recognise Barry Nash’s point during normal time.
O'Neill made the comments at the Limerick GAA medal presentation in the city on Sunday night and was applauded by those in attendance for doing so, according to the Limerick Leader.
“I want to mention the All-Ireland semi-final – I do want to acknowledge here tonight that Barry Nash got a point that day that should have been awarded to him,” said O'Neill.
“I do regret it and we do apologise for it and we are deeply sorry for it. It’s not easy to say but that’s the way it is,” he added.
It was a source of great frustration for the Association and personally, he admitted.
“We went to enormous bother to get Hawk Eye – quite frankly we spent a fortune on it to get things right for the players, just so what happened that day wouldn’t happen.
“The person didn’t configure it right and it’s a source of huge regret to me personally that it happened to this Limerick team because I felt I got to know a bit about Limerick hurling during the summer,” said O’ Neill.
Feile na nGael was held in Limerick during the summer and was attended by O'Neill.
Limerick GAA chairman Oliver Mann accepted O'Neill’s apology having previously expressed his disappointment that none had been forthcoming in the aftermath of the incident.
“I would like to acknowledge the comments of Uachtaráin Cumann Luthcleas Gael Liam O'Neill surrounding the Barry Nash – Hawk Eye point in Croke Park and I really appreciate Liam coming her tonight and saying what he did,” said Mann.
“As far as Limerick County Board is concerned that particular incident is now well and truly finished and I would like to thank Liam O'Neill for his end to that tonight,” he added.
An objection was brought by Limerick GAA officials over the incident but was unsuccessful and Galway progressed to the final where they were beaten by Waterford.