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David Gough set to get the nod for the All-Ireland final between Dublin and Kerry

Off The Ball understands Meathman David Gough is to be the man in the middle for the All-Ireland ...



David Gough set to get the nod...
Football

David Gough set to get the nod for the All-Ireland final between Dublin and Kerry

Off The Ball understands Meathman David Gough is to be the man in the middle for the All-Ireland senior football final between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park on Sunday, September 1st. 

The announcement has yet to be confirmed by the GAA, so for now, it's unofficial.

If confirmed, as expected, it will be Gough's first final.

The potential for Slane club man Gough to be given the final attracted criticism from the former Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice and the ex-Kerry player Aidan O'Mahony, as the referee lives and works in Dublin.

Without questioning his integrity or abilities, they felt it would be better to appoint a referee with no links to the capital.

The referees' committee of the GAA certainly wouldn't have taken any outside discussion into account in making their decision.

Gough officiated the Dublin v Cork Super 8s game at Croke Park without incident.

Dublin are bidding to make GAA history by winning five Sam Maguire Cups in a row against the Kingdom, who are the most successful county in the annals of Gaelic Football.

David Gough refereed the last Championship meeting between the counties back in 2016, when Dublin edged a semi-final by two points.

Kerry were unhappy with aspects of his performance, as he missed a foul by McManamon on Peter Crowley when the sides were level.

In 2015, David Coldrick, another Meath referee who is based in the capital, took charge of the Dublin v Kerry decider.