Derry exited the championship on Saturday, losing 1-21 t0 2-17 against Tipperary.

Derry were leading by 1-8 to 0-10 at half time though the Division three side had caused problems for Damian Barton’s Oak Leafers, who had went into the game as odds-on favourites.

Mark Lynch’s goal gave Derry the advantage in the first half, but Tipp were on top for much of the second half. When Eoghan Brown goalled to put Derry back in front it looked as though Derry would survive their scare. But the Oak Leafers couldn’t get the ball out of their own half for the final stages, and Tipp’s late scores earned them victory.

The game was regarded as good one because of how high scoring it was, and the attacking panache that both teams brought. However, it was far from a perfect peformance, particularly from Derry who made a lot of mistakes and were wasteful in possesssion.

Thomas Mallon put himself in line for criticism because he kicked away a lot of possession. The Derry outfield players will hold themselves to account as well.

However, plenty of fans pointed the finger at the referee, Marty Duffy, for some poor calls against Derry.

What a game between Tipp & Derry. Both teams going hammer & thongs at it. V hard luck 2 Derry. Good 2 c Marty Duffy up 2 his old tricks

— Anthony Moyles (@moylesiea) July 24, 2016

Devestated for @Doiregaa footballers today. Some harsh decisions against them. Played with such heart & skill.

— Neil McManus (@Neilmcmanus88) July 23, 2016

The free count, presented without comment, was Tipperary 33 Derry 12 ?

— Cahair O’Kane (@CahairOKane1) July 23, 2016

Marty Duffy #Jesuswept

— William Mc Ateer (@willmcateer) July 23, 2016

Take that whistle off Duffy. Hopefully that will take away his self importance then

— Ruairi Convery (@BigRuairi) July 23, 2016

Definite bias for tipp from Marty Duffy. Soft frees

— Joe Diver (@joediverderry) July 23, 2016

Marty Duffy being Marty Duffy. Only became a ref because he failed the traffic warden’s entry exam.

— Chris McCann (@canntoya) July 23, 2016

Marty Duffy isn’t making a mess of this; short kick-outs are. #GAA

— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) July 23, 2016

Who would’ve guessed that the best GAA game of the weekend by a country mile would be Tipperary v Derry

— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) July 24, 2016