Referee Barrett struck by spectator

FORMER intercounty referee Willie Barrett abandoned a club hurling match in Tipperary on Saturday after he was struck twice by a ‘supporter’ wielding a hurley.

Barrett called a halt to the Ballingarry v Carrick Davin South SHC clash at Kilsheelan ten minutes into the second half after a Davin fan rushed from the crowd and struck Barrett first on the back, before aiming a second blow at the referee.

The assailant was then engulfed by a number of people before he could continue his assault on a defenceless Barrett, as the Ardfinnan whistler was protected by a player and linesman Keith O’Brien (Kilsheelan).

Gardaí are investigating the incident and are understood to have spoken to members of the Carrick Davin club yesterday after Barrett was left with a cut on his back.

It is understood that the assailant struck Barrett with the edge of the hurl and connected cleanly, leaving a gash and bruising which required ice treatment on Saturday night.

Barrett, who reported some discomfort yesterday following the traumatic incident, also received a blow to his wrist as he attempted to defend himself from the second blow.

Ironically, Barrett had awarded a free to Carrick Davin before the supporter ran onto the pitch and launched his attack.

Barrett is well-known not only in local GAA circles but also on the national refereeing circuit, having taken charge of a number of top championship games during his career.

He was the man in the middle for the infamous 1998 Munster hurling final replay at Semple Stadium between Clare and Waterford, when the fallout led to Clare midfielder Colin Lynch receiving a controversial three-month ban.

The assault on Barrett is the second example of violence against a Tipperary referee in the space of just six months as the problem of serious physical abuse within the GAA rears its ugly head once again. Last October, Premier County disciplinary chiefs acted swiftly and dished out heavy suspensions to members of the Carrick Swan club, the town rivals of Carrick Davin, following an attack on John Kelly.

Tipperary county board disciplinary chiefs will launch an immediate investigation into the incident. Gardaí are investigating separately and were in touch with members of the Carrick Davin club yesterday to ascertain the identity of the man.