Munster GAA sign new partnership deal with Limerick university
Munster GAA have launched a new strategic partnership focused on referee performance, development, education and research
TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Shannon (TUS) and Munster GAA have launched a new strategic partnership focused on referee performance, development, education and research.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed to strengthen collaboration in these areas from 2027 to 2030, building on an existing three-year relationship between the two organisations.
The existing collaboration sees TUS lecturers Dr Damien Young and Dr Keith Hennessy from the Department of Sport, Leadership and Human Performance at the Thurles Campus, work directly with the Munster inter-county referee panel, with the support of Dr James Griffin, Dean of Business and Humanities and Dr Amy McGuire, Head of Sport, Leadership & Human Performance.
A key priority will be a needs analysis to identify development priorities and guide future investment, according to a statement from Munster GAA.
“We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with TUS through this strategic partnership, which reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement,” said Munster GAA chair Tim Murphy,
“Referees play a vital role in Gaelic Games, and this collaboration will provide valuable support to help them develop, perform and lead with confidence at every level of our games.”
Added TUS Chief Operations Officer, Jimmy Browne: “TUS is proud to further strengthen its long-standing relationship with Gaelic games and Munster GAA through this new partnership.
It comes as Limerick GAA has launched a referee recruitment campaign across its social media platforms, with a series of videos featuring prominent figures from the county encouraging people to consider taking up the whistle.
Limerick Referees Association chairperson Jonathan Hayes said that a shortage of referees is placing increasing pressure on the ability to fulfil fixtures with an average of two Bord na nÓg games in Limerick being cancelled each week due to a lack of available referees.