Gavin family out in force

THERE’S a fitting symmetry about Brian Gavin’s appointment as referee for Sunday’s All-Ireland final.

It’s almost 50 years to the day when his father and umpire Michael attended his first All-Ireland final, the football decider between Offaly and Down. Later that evening, he met his future wife-to-be Marie.

“They’ve a bit to do with where I am,” laughs Gavin.