Criticising referees is also a fair game

As a person who has been involved in refereeing as an umpire at all levels including All-Ireland finals in the ’70/’80s I take a particular interest in the performance of the referee, and indeed, the assessments by John Bannon each Monday in the Irish Examiner, which are very good.

However, over the past weekends it’s not been good for both James McGrath and Joe McQuillian. In the case of James McGrath, it could be said that the sun was very blinding in LImerick when Paudie O’Brien went down when the sliothar hit him on the forehead, just as Pat Horgan made contact with his helmet.

I was delighted for Pat Horgan when he was cleared to play. Also for James McGrath, as his refereeing career could have ended if Pat Horgan had missed the game against Kilkenny.