ON MONDAY, RTÉ’S documentary on September’s All-Ireland senior football final between Kerry and Dublin was subject to much acclaim, particularly in relation to the decision to place a microphone on referee David Coldrick.
Among a number of incidents picked up was Kerry’s Kieran Donaghy telling the whistleblower that his his eye had been gouged by Dublin’s Philly McMahon, something he refused to discuss with media in the wake of the game, telling reporters that “what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch.”
However, he was sure to let the referee know during the game, even if the Meath man didn’t take any action.
“I didn’t see that now, Kieran,” Coldrick is heard replying. “That was just two lads competing, that’s all.”
It now appears that some players involved were unaware they were being recorded and the Gaelic Players Association says the decision not to inform them was “disrespectful.”
“The GPA are very supportive of this type of documentary,” Potts told The42 last night.
“However, it’s disrespectful to the players not to inform them their conversations with the referee would be broadcast and we would have concerns about that type of approach for future documentaries.
“A couple of players contacted me to say they were not aware they were being recorded. I don’t know if permission was sought at any level but we have been contacted by players to say they were not asked.
“We’ve been in contact with Croke Park to express our concerns so now we’ll wait to hear what they have to say.”
The42 has attempted to contact Loosehorse — the makers of the ‘All Ireland Day’ documentary for RTÉ — for comment on the claims. They have, so far, failed to reply.
