Limerick GAA faces shortage of referees at ‘crisis point’ as abuse rises

THE shortage of referees available to Limerick GAA is at “crisis point”, according to County Board secretary Mike O’Riordan.

In his report to Annual Convention, which takes place on Tuesday night at Ahane GAA Clubhouse, he appealed for help.
“The lack of referees is at crisis point and I would urge clubs to identify people within the club that might be suitable for the role,” he said.

“We have received justified criticism for the lack of full refereeing teams at games this season and all I can say is the referees are not there.”

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He added: “We have seen an increase in disciplinary cases this year with referees and members of his official party being abused with threatening language and behaviour. This is unacceptable and would see this as a major deterrent for people getting involved.”

Despite the lack of referees, the report highlights the achievements of a number of Limerick’s top officials.
“Johnny Murphy led the way this year refereeing in both the Leinster and Munster Senior Hurling Championships. He also refereed the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final between Dublin and Cork and the Leinster Senior Hurling Final between Kilkenny and Galway.

“Eamon Stapleton and Kieran Guinea also refereed in the Munster U20 and Minor Hurling Championship respectively.

Congratulations to Donnacha O Callaghan who refereed the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Final. Jonathon Hayes and Timmy McGrath refereed in the Munster Club Intermediate and Junior Football series and at national level this year.”