Westmeath present 58 new GAA referees with gear on positive evening for county
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Paddy Collins, former All-Ireland football final referee, and John Keenan (Wicklow), who took charge of last year’s All-Ireland hurling final.Image 2 of 12
Enda Keating, Mullingar Shamrocks, Ciaran Goggins, Coralstown/Kinnegad, Michael Kelly, St Mary's Rochfortbridge, and James Kenny, St Joseph's.Image 3 of 12
Ray Aughey, Turin, Robert Dillon, Fr Dalton’s, Grace Nic Domhnaill, The Downs, and John Bawle, Shandonagh.Image 4 of 12
Eoin Reilly, Brownstown, John Mallon, Fr Dalton’s, Barry Smyth, Castlepollard, Ger Behan, Cullion, Jon Clune, Delvin, and Keith Gorry, St Brigid’s.Image 5 of 12
Pictured at Friday’s presentation are: Ray Aughey (Turin), Paddy Collins, John Keenan, Noel Poynton (Turin) and Richie Heffernan (Turin).Image 6 of 12
John Keenan, Frank Mescall, John Bannon, Paddy Collins and Pat Lynagh.Image 7 of 12
Claire McCormack, Moate All Whites, Shane Carroll, Caulry, David Clarke, Athlone and Kevin Connaughton, Tubberclair.Image 8 of 12
Ronan Kerrins, Tubberclair, Jack Kearney, Castledaly, Gareth Ghee, Tubberclair and Aidan Keogh, Ballycomoyle.Image 9 of 12
New referees, Gary Nolan (Lough Lene Gaels), Áine McKenna (Crookedwood) and Noel Poynton (Turin) with their gear.Image 10 of 12
Eoin Darcy, Maryland, Killian Redmond, Garrycastle and Diarmuid Murtagh, Garrycastle.Image 11 of 12
David Vine, Ballymore, Paddy Joyce, Mullingar Shamrocks, Magdeline McQuillan, Delvin, and Brendan Kelly, Rosemount.Image 12 of 12
Owen McNamara, Athlone, Tom Daly, Garrycastle, Feichin Gavin, St Brigid’s, and Adam Brady, Clonkill, were among the 58 new referees at Friday’s presentation. Pics: J McCauley.On a significant evening for Westmeath GAA, 58 new referees were presented with gear on Friday at the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar and will be ready to take on the challenge of refereeing U12 and U14 football and hurling games in the coming week.
Coiste na nÓg chairman Barry Kelly welcomed everyone to the gathering and spoke of the help and support that’s there for all of the new referees. The fact that Barry refereed at the highest level, taking charge of four All-Ireland hurling finals, is a major fillip for the recruitment process. Indeed, former All-Ireland football final referee, Paddy Collins, widely regarded as the best referee of his generation, paid glowing tributes to Kelly on the evening.
“Barry Kelly is the man for advice, if any of you need it. He’s been there and has been the best man at it in the last 25 years,” he opined.
Westmeath County Committee chairman Frank Mescall, attended and praised all concerned with the initiative, wishing the new referees the very best in their first season.
Referees coordinator Sean Sheridan thanked the clubs and welcomed John Keenan, last year’s All-Ireland hurling referee, John Bannon and Paddy Collins. He also welcomed Pat Lynagh, former Westmeath secretary, who is now involved with Leinster Council.
Mr Sheridan paid special tribute to Peter Collins for his outstanding work with the recruitment process and acknowledged the support of the Westmeath County Committee.
Garrycastle referee Niall Ward, who served on the national panel, guided the referees through the U12 by-laws. Barry Kelly spoke of the importance of the over-carrying rule for U12 hurling and urged referees to be vigilant.
The over-carrying rule in football is more straightforward as only two plays are permitted.
Niall Ward stressed the importance of presentation if new referees are to gain respect.
MENTOR BEHAVIOUR
New referees don’t necessarily need to buy new fancy stopwatches. There is a risk that they may stop time for an injury and not restart, which could lead to difficulties. As Barry said: “Paddy Collins refereed four All-Ireland finals and never used a stopwatch: he estimated added time in the case of injuries and he wasn’t chased out of Croke Park too often.”
Peter Collins guided the new officials through the servasport system and provided feedback on results. Ronan Farrell, coaching officer, guided them through the forms regarding mentor behaviour. Barry Kelly said he does not envisage a problem with indiscipline as clubs have been spoken to about the importance of respecting the new referees and giving them space to learn and develop.
There were insights from Cathal Boland, St Joseph’s and Eoin Cawley, Bunbrosna, who spoke to the gathering about their experience and about how they have developed relationships with other clubs since they began refereeing. It’s only when you’re refereeing that you appreciate what’s involved, Enda said.
Special guest John Keenan, Wicklow, said he was honoured to be present and spoke of the connection between him and the county. Barry Kelly proved a great support to him during his refereeing career, while two Westmeath umpires, Paul Reville (Turin) and David Clune (Delvin), were part of John’s team in last year’s final.
Barry Kelly thanked John, who was on duty in Croke Park the following day but still took time to travel to Mullingar on the evening.
Paddy Collins spoke of how impressed he was with the whole process and the impact both Eoin Cawley and Cathal Boland made in their presentations. He described them as impressive young men.
Mr Collins described the meeting as an “extraordinary gathering”. He recalled that in 1972, he organised the first referees course in the county and 25 were present, Paul Kelly travelling from Dublin to lead it. Certainly, Westmeath’s success at recruiting 58 new referees is unprecedented and Mr Collins recalled that in some places they brought people in off the streets for courses like this over the years.
Longford referee John Bannon described it as a great news story and spoke on the many benefits to refereeing. He encouraged the new referees not to let what he called the little bits of negativity put them off.
The presentation of gear closed the event and all then enjoyed refreshments.