By Peter O’Dwyer
Sunday Game analyst Kevin McStay was left red-faced last night after incorrectly identifying Armagh’s Andy and Brian Mallon as brothers.
McStay was analysing Armagh’s victory over Meath on Saturday and in particular the contributions of two sets of ‘brothers’: Aaron and Tony Kernan – who are related – and the two Mallons – who are not.
“Something similar, maybe not as high profile [as the Kernans] but busy bees for sure, Brian Mallon and Andy Mallon made a massive contribution to the Armagh win,” said McStay when introducing the analysis segment.
“Here are the brothers connecting beautifully to make a lovely opening for Brian who came on as a sub... and again the Mallons, great contribution last night,” added McStay.
In fact, the two Mallons don’t play for the same club with Brian lining out for Tír na nÓg and Andy for Na Piarsaigh Óga.
In reply to a viewer’s comments, McStay this morning tweeted his apologies for the mistake saying: “tks Paul. My error and I take responsibility for it. Should have checked but always assumed they were brothers. Apologies.”
In the wake of the mistake, a number of viewers and former players took to the social media site to voice their displeasure with McStay’s analysis.
So Andy & Brian Mallon are STILL brothers then. Poor poor research. @AidanORourke #SundayGame
— Killeavy13 (@StevenMcD13) August 3, 2014
It must have come as quite the surprise to Andy and Brian Mallon to learn that they were brothers. Awkward family breakfasts this morning.
— Declan Bogue (@DeclanBogue) August 4, 2014
Can the real Mallon Brothers please stand up!! #sundaygame #GAA
— Anthony Moyles (@moylesiea) August 3, 2014
Armagh progressed to the All-Ireland quarter-finals with a 0-18 to 0-13 victory at Croke Park on Saturday.
They will now face fellow Ulster side Donegal for a place in this year’s semi-finals.