The 45-year-old has taken charge of 37 senior internationals, including four games at the 2015 World Cup.

Back in 2009, my club, Kerins O’Rahillys, had the good fortune to reach the Munster Club SFC final against Kilmurry-Ibrickane from Clare. Unfortunately for me, it was down to be played the week after my wedding when my wife and I were supposed to be on a cruise ship somewhere around the Bahamas.

Four time All-Ireland Final referee, Brian Gavin, has retired from inter county hurling.

Top-table officials in Clare and Limerick have expressed concern at the growing shortage of referees in either county.

“The slightest shoulder and there’s a free, but the refereeing is completely different at intercounty level.”

In his report to annual convention last December, Down secretary Seán Óg McAteer took the opportunity to answer his critics after their protracted senior football managerial appointment process.

We wonder if they practice the signal for the TMO?

Referees get a lot of stick in sport.

Kerry supremo Éamonn Fitzmaurice dismissed suggestions his players influence referees after the Kingdom retained their Munster SFC crown in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney last night.

Jose Mourinho maintains Chelsea were the victims of bad decisions despite winning the Premier League title at a canter this season. The Blues boss felt decisions in matches, resulting in dropped points and player suspensions, were costing his side. 

The chairman of the national referees development body insists the policing of verbal intimidation is not being ignored by match officials.