Ulster chief predicts bright future for trailblazer Maggie Farrelly

Ulster Council chairman Martin McAviney insists referee Maggie Farrelly’s championship debut on Sunday was not a once-off, predicting a bright future for the Cavan official on the men’s inter-county scene.

Farrelly took charge of the Ulster MFC quarter-final between Fermanagh and Antrim — the first time a female referee has presided over a men’s inter-county championship fixture.

McAviney praised Farrelly’s handling of the tie — not a single card was issued, drawing particular encouragement from the respect paid to her by both teams.