Cork’s large refereeing community convened on Friday night, 24th and Saturday, 25th November in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

On Friday, all referees who officiated for county finals from 2020 to 2023 were honoured and awarded with medals to mark their achievements.  Carrig’s Brian Murphy was one of those to receive a medal.  On the 7th August 2021, ‘Murph’ refereed the delayed 2020 intermediate A hurling championship final between Aghabullogue and Éire Óg.  Six retired referees were also honoured for their lifetime of officiating at a high level.  A New Referee Award was presented for the first time.  [Kevin O’Sullivan of Valley Rover was the recipient.]

On Saturday, a referees’ conference was opened by Carrig’s Niall Barrett, who is referees’ administrator and chairperson of the newly founded referees’ development committee.  The purpose of the conference was to assist match officials with information and support performance/preparation, with more than 120 referees and match officials in attendance.

Niall outlined that his mantra is “quality refereeing for quality games”.  He went on to say that the emphasis is “on trying new things to enhance and promote refereeing as an enjoyable part of GAA in Cork in particular.”

You can read more about the referee’s awards night and conference here:

https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41280649.html

[Pictured at the awards night are (l-r) Ger Murphy (umpire and twin brother of Brian), Brian Murphy, Niall Barrett & JJ Barry (umpire).]