Brian Gavin: Keenan and Murphy put themselves in All-Ireland final frame

When I saw Jerome Henry's name alongside the Kildare-Monaghan fixture last Monday, I was concerned as it seemed too big a game for him and so it proved.

UNJUST PENANCE: Referee John Keenan. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

By and large, the two hurling referees had it relatively easy this weekend but to say it’s less difficult to officiate a game of football these days would be putting it mildly.

When so many teams are encouraged by their managements to hold onto possession for up to five or six minutes, the lack of engagement takes the pressure off the men in the middle. With little or no contact, referees are spending most of the time focusing on potential technical fouls.