Tony Mannion reflects on remarkable 50-year career at heart of Limerick District League football

WE SAT down with Tony Mannion, the current Chairman of the Limerick Referees’ Society, as he looked back on a remarkable 50-year career at the heart of local football.

QUIETLY retiring in 2023, Tony concluded five decades of refereeing that saw him become one of the most respected officials in the region, overseeing games in schoolboys, junior, ladies’ football, as well as inter-firm and inter-pub matches.

Tony’s journey began back in 1973, when he took charge of his first match between Mungret and Fairview Rgs. A baptism of fire came courtesy of the home team’s hurling star, Liam O’Donoghue, who quickly ensured Tony would have his hands full.
He fondly remembers the senior referees of the time who guided him through those early years— figures like Tommy Power, Blarney Keane, James Hartigan, and Georgie Fitzgerald were always there to offer advice and support.

The learning curve was steep, and Tony has countless stories to share from his early days. One particularly memorable incident took place in a match. Concerned about the number of times the home players required treatment, Tony soon discovered that the “water bottle” being passed around contained not water— but poteen! Ah, the good old days!

Tony’s first cup final as a referee was a Youth Final, where Star Rvs, captained by Pat Boland, triumphed over Vereker Clements. He also officiated at the inaugural Joe McKeown Ladies’ Final, where Lifford defeated Murroe.

When asked to name his most memorable match, Tony surprised us by selecting a League game between Herbertstown and Holycross that ended 2-2 on a perfect summer’s night. The atmosphere and excitement of that game stood out to him as one of his career highlights.

As a life member of the Limerick Branch, Tony’s experience and perspective are unparalleled. Having witnessed countless changes in the game over five decades, he is uniquely qualified to compare the generations of players and referees he’s seen.

When asked to pick his best XI from all the players he’s encountered, Tony joked that he could easily form five teams, but after some deliberation, he settled on the following lineup:

1 Mick Aherne (Hyde Rgs/Boro)
2 Finbar Ryan (Geraldines)
3 Ray Collins (Caledonians)
4 Christy O'Donoghue (Star Rvs)
5 Sean Carter (Caledonians)
6 Paddy Casey (Pike Rvs)
7 John O'Brien (Pike/Fairview)
8 Eddie O'Donovan Snr (Pike Rvs)
9 Paddy Koyce (Geraldines/Balla)
10 Shane Clarke (Boro)
11 Johnny Gaynor (Hyde/Balla)

HE ALSO had a star-studded bench, including Colm Enright (Pike), Sean O’Connor (Fairview), and the iconic trio of Pat Boland, Euge Peters, and Declan Higgins.

When pressed to select the best player he’s ever seen, Tony didn’t hesitate for a second— Johnny Gaynor was his choice, a player he holds in the highest regard.

Looking back on his career, Tony’s contributions to local football are immeasurable. Few have seen and experienced as much as he has in the middle of the park, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for many years to come.