Barry Kelly hasn’t retired. Not officially, anyway. The 2017 season was his last as an inter-county referee but not as a match official.

It may be six months since the word was uttered but with time it has become more powerful. Because it’s never been retracted. Never apologised for. And, let’s be honest, never denounced by a GAA official without any vim.

Brian Cody has avoided suspension for comments about referee Barry Kelly in the wake of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland hurling final replay win over Tipperary last month.

Just as referees’ performances are open to criticism when it’s deserved, they should be praised when it’s due.