Unfair attack on GAA referees

PADDY Heaney’s article (May 20 ) in relation to GAA referees proved an unfortunate foray into the worst of tabloid sensationalism from a paper that over the years has prided itself on its fair and balanced approach to all matters, and its extensive GAA coverage.

That your paper chose to publish such a personalised and spiteful attack on volunteer match officials was surprising. References to “sewers”, “God Complex” and alleged addictions to “fame and money” in relation to GAA referees all fall into the “over the top” and offensive categories.

Our referees are a crucial element of the voluntary culture that underpins the success of the GAA. Without our referees, the thousands of GAA games that take place every week could not proceed. Never before has so much attention been paid to the recruitment and training of our match officials, work that is driven by the National Refereeing Strategy. However, the recruitment of match officials is not aided by grossly unfair and personalised commentary, much of it based on sweeping and inaccurate generalisations. Instead of opting for the “nuclear option” as suggested at the end of his column, we will continue to review best practice in the area of match officiating and provide support for those volunteers who chose to serve our association in this vital capacity.