Sheridan highlights ‘serious levels’ of abuse faced by referees

Outgoing Westmeath GAA referees’ coordinator Sean Sheridan has slammed those who threaten and abuse referees at adult and underage level in the county, but admits dealing with indiscipline is a national problem.

Referees have suffered name calling and personal attacks, which Mr Sheridan has roundly condemned and he has urged the county’s 47 clubs to address what he feels is a “great scourge” on Gaelic games. At underage level in the county, referees are facing serious levels of abuse, he claimed.

“This is a national problem but in order to address it, it needs to start in our own club. Referees are scarce and this will only get worse if this poisonous habit of abusing them does not stop. We are all guilty of shouting at the referee from time to time when decisions go against us, but name calling and personal attacks can not be condoned,” he stated.

“If we all are honest, we know deep down that referees don't go out to stop a team from winning a game. So for 2025, can we all commit to doing our very best to treat referees and officials respectfully? Swearing and threatening language, particularly at underage games but also adult games, has to be stamped out or we will have no referees.”

Mr Sheridan, a former referee, served a number of years in the position after his five-year term as county chairman came to an end. This year, despite the issue of abuse, Westmeath recruited 58 new referees through a recruitment drive led by Coiste na nÓg (minor board). While this is a boost, there is still a lack of hurling referees.

“It was fantastic to see the minor board getting involved in recruiting new referees; it was a brilliant achievement as we recruited 58 new referees this year. I would like to thank all the referees and officials. All our referees completed the in-service course online. Hopefully all these new referees will enjoy the game and it's up to all club officials to respect these referees and encourage them along the way,” he noted.

He acknowledged the work of Barry Kelly and Peter Collins (Coiste na nÓg chair and secretary) for their commitment and work involved.

“We still have a huge shortage of referees in our county, especially in hurling; I would encourage all clubs to get people involved in refereeing, as we have the resources to do the training,” observed Mr Sheridan.

He paid tribute to the inter county referees who represented Westmeath at all levels during the year, congratulating Alan Coyne and Caymon Flynn who made it onto the national panel. Sean thanked all referees who progressed to the Leinster panel.

“We have increased our advisors to help and encourage our referees to a higher standard. Thanks to Joe Martin, Pat Fox, Frank Martin, John Cunningham, Jim Whelan, Ger Carton, Ray Smyth, Sean Greville and Alan McCormack. This was a tremendous help to our referees,” he added.

Sean Carroll of The Downs has replaced Mr Sheridan as referees’ coordinator.