Fixtures in doubt over ref shortage

Clubs in Tyrone received a stark warning yesterday that games could be called off due to a shortage of referees.

Nine clubs have no officials on the county panel, and there is not a single hurling referee, county chairman Ciaran McLaughlin revealed at annual convention.

McLaughlin, who was returned for a fifth term, warned clubs must play their part in ensuring a dwindling number of referees does not fall further, or face the consequences.