All-Ireland referees receive awards during All-Star trip

THE traditional awards for the two All-Ireland final referees were given added status yesterday when John Bannon and Aodhan MacSuibhne were both honoured in San Diego, in the company of their respective wives.

Following a photocall early in the day, the formal presentations were made at a function later by association president Sean McCague and Vodafone's Director of Communications, Tara Delaney.

John Bannon, a prominent player with his Longford club, Legan Sarsfields, had charge of his second senior final when he officiated at the Armagh/Kerry decider.

In the case of Aodhan MacSuibhne, from the St Jude's club in Dublin a renowned athlete in his younger days his appointment for the Kilkenny/Clare hurling final was his first.

Sean McCague said he was delighted to have the opportunity of making the presentations.

"It's obvious that John Bannon and Aodan MacSuibhne deeply appreciate the fact that they are being treated the same as the All-Stars.

"It's a mark of the respect to referees within the association and I would like to thank Vodafone for organising this trip for them. I'm also delighted for them because they each had a wonderful year in 2002," he added.

Aodhan MacSuibhne admitted that he took particular pride in handling the Munster championship decider in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, between Waterford and Tipperary.

"The All-Ireland final was the pinnacle, but the game I probably never thought I'd see was the Munster final," he said. "And it's probably the one occasion that will stay with me. The fact that Waterford created their bit of history by winning the title after 39 years made it extra special.

"Getting the All-Ireland final, of course, was a dream come through. And as for receiving the award out here, the nicest part of being invited to travel out with the All-Stars was that my wife was brought as well."

John Bannon, named as the referee for Saturday's exhibition game at San Diego University ground, feels that he was "very lucky" in his two finals.

"The 1998 final between Galway and Kildare was very exciting and last year's final was a great occasion, with a sell-out crowd and the underdog winning.

"And, from a refereeing point of view, there was no hassle in either game because the four teams played the games in the right spirit," he said.