McQuillan to referee Dublin semi-final

Joe McQuillan will referee Dublin’s All-Ireland senior football semi-final clash with Donegal on August 31 — the eighth time in four Championships he has taken charge of a game involving them.

In 2011 alone, the Cavan referee was the man in the middle for four of their six games on the way to them claiming the All-Ireland title.

However, this is the first Championship game since manager Jim Gavin criticised McQuillan’s performance in last year’s All-Ireland final against Mayo that he has reacquainted himself with Dublin.

Gavin said the 32-12 free count against Dublin in September’s game was inexplicable.

“That’s just beyond me. I cannot understand that. I really can’t. That’s one of the very disappointing things. Not only were we playing Mayo but we were playing the referee as well.”

Meath’s David Coldrick has been appointed to take charge of Mayo’s clash with Kerry, having recovered from his early black card blip in the drawn Tyrone-Down Ulster quarter-final.

The likelihood is Cormac Reilly, Eddie Kinsella or Marty Duffy will officiate the All-Ireland final.

Since 2010, one of the four quarter-final referees has been chosen for the September decider and the trio as well as McQuillan were involved in the last eight matches over the last two weekends.

A Tipperary defeat this weekend may see Johnny Ryan considered as All-Ireland senior hurling final referee, but the likelihood is Westmeath’s Barry Kelly will be given the nod.