Letters to the Editor: What is the role of our umpires?

'I have seen a corner-forward pulled and dragged, getting a dig of a hurley in front of two umpires and they totally ignore it despite the forward appealing for protection.'

Regarding the role of the umpire in today’s GAA games. As a person who was involved in the game as an umpire in both codes but in particular hurling during the 1980s-1990s era having officiated at All-Ireland finals in club, minor, U21, and senior level and have seen some of the greatest players of that time. So, I think that I would like to ask the question: Why has the role of the umpire seemed to have changed over the years?

What I mean by that is having been to matches where I always like to position myself behind the goals, so I have a good view of what goes on around the square off the ball, how often have I seen a corner-forward been pulled and dragged, getting a dig of a hurley in front of two umpires and they totally ignore it despite the forward appealing for protection.