Referees urged not to accept abuse from team mentors

The Westmeath GAA referees held their annual presentation evening in Tyrrellspass GAA Club house on Thursday evening of last week.

Referees Coordinator Sean Sheridan organised the annual gathering and it provided an opportunity for officials to get together, reflect on the past year and look ahead to another busy season. They were joined by a number of County Committee officers, who gave of their time to attend the event and the referees are very appreciative of the support they received.

Speaking to referees on the evening, County Committee Chairman Frank Mescall had strong words of condemnation for those who brought games into disrepute all around the country last year. He noted how challenging a year it was for referees and match officials.

“There were disgraceful incidents at GAA games, sadly, and it was a difficult year for referees at national level. Thankfully we didn’t have those issues and they have no place in our games: they have no place on our streets, some of those incidents, never mind on the pitch,” he declared.

“I took opportunities to support referees on different occasions, like at county finals for example, and I was glad to do so. We are here to support you in a difficult job.”

Referees were urged to have a “zero tolerance” approach when it comes to abuse from mentors on the sideline.

“There is a culture of abuse of referees from the sideline - so don’t accept it,” he said.

“Don’t let it persist. A culture is very difficult to stamp out; it takes years, but we have got to start and you have an influence in this. We are here to support you.”

The chairman said last year’s county final appointments were used as an opportunity to promote up and coming referees and the idea was a great success. Referees like Keith O’Brien (Moate All Whites), Enda Kelly (Castledaly), Shane Maher (Ballynacargy) and Barry Pierce (St Mary’s Rochfortbridge) were appointed to senior, intermediate and junior finals for the first time.

The chairman expressed the hope that female referees will emerge in Westmeath in the coming years to take up what is continuing to prove a challenging role.

At inter county level, Westmeath continues to make a big impression, with the likes of Caymon Flynn (hurling) and Alan Coyne (football) continuing to fly the flag. It follows officials like Barry Kelly and James McGrath who have enjoyed the ultimate honour of refereeing at All-Ireland finals.

Keith O’Brien, Enda Kelly and Enda Kenny are part of the inter county football panel.

“We get compliments from Leinster GAA and from Croke Park about our referees which is great. I’d encourage all referees to step up to this level and encourage each other to be the best you can,” he said.

He thanked the various referees advisors for their contribution.

MEDALS

Sean Sheridan acknowledged the major contribution of referees in the county and thanked the County Committee for their great support. He encouraged all referees to remain loyal to each other and said county final appointments, while a bone of contention, are carefully considered by the Competitions Control Committee (CCC).

“Support each other; we are one unit,” he said.

Mr Sheridan thanked Tommy Carr for his assistance in the area of physical training and preparation. There will be further collective training sessions this season under the former Dublin

He wished Barry Kelly and Peter Collins well as new Coiste na nÓg Chairman and Secretary.

Jimmy Cribbin, Chairman of the Westmeath Referees Association, who has been involved for a long number of years, also paid tribute to all referees. He noted how he took charge of 75 games one particular year and was not appointed to a final.

“There is no guarantee in this regard. I’d encourage you all just to stay involved and keep refereeing. Your time will come,” he said.

The referees who took charge of the various hurling and football finals in 2022 were presented with medals and refreshments were provided by the host club.