Limerick referee given prestigious UEFA Category One promotion

LIMERICK native and League of Ireland referee Rob Hennessy has been promoted to Category One on UEFA’s International Referees Panel.

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Having completed his 13th season in the League of Ireland, Hennessy was identified by the UEFA Referee Committee as someone who has been making significant progress and has moved up to the second-highest level in UEFA’s rankings as a result.

It has been a busy year for the Limerick native as he officiated in games in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Conference League, as well as the International Friendly between Norway and Finland.

A highlight was being appointed to the Final of the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championships in Bucharest – where Netherlands beat Spain – after previously overseeing two other games in that tournament.

FAI Director of Football John Martin praised Hennessy by saying: “It is fantastic to see Rob earn the recognition that his hard work deserves as he moves up to Category One in UEFA and continues his development as an elite League of Ireland referee.

"Earlier this year we launched our Education & Development Strategy for 2025-2030, which outlines a clear pathway for referee development and that is brought to life through the progression of match officials like Rob as his advancement on the world stage will inspire many others."

Hennessy is one of four Irishmen on the FIFA International Referees List alongside Category Two match officials Rob Harvey, Paul McLaughlin and Kevin O’Sullivan.