No plan for extra security after attack on referee

THE National Referees Committee yesterday said increased protection at games for their members was unlikely following a “vicious assault” on a referee at the weekend.

Committee spokesperson Fr Seamus Gardiner said he was shocked at the attack on Gearóid O’Regan at the end of a county senior hurling championship semi-final at the Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Co Kerry, on Sunday.

“I’m appalled by this and even though this is rare it has to be condemned,” he said.

Fr Gardiner said a tightening of security at all GAA club games was unlikely following the incident.

“You can’t expect high security at every club game because there are so many played and it would be impossible to achieve,” he said.

Gardaí in Tralee have not yet received any formal complaint following the attack.

Witnesses alleged that a Ballyduff player tossed his helmet aside and viciously assaulted Mr O’Regan immediately after the game between Ballyduff and Kilmoyley. Two Ballyduff players had earlier been send-off by Mr O’Regan. It’s believed that Mr O’Regan was struck again by a second individual before he made it from the pitch to the dressing room.

He was later hospitalised for treatment after first being examined by medics at Austin Stack Park.

The Kerry County Board last night established a five-man committee to investigate the attack.

Board chairman Sean Walsh said the committee will speak to Mr O’Regan in the coming days.

“Any garda complaint is a matter for the referee himself.

“We have already spoken to them and they know our view,” Mr Walsh said.

Mr O’Regan was last night unavailable for comment.