Brian Gavin: James Owens unbothered by fuss in Semple build-up

In Thurles, James Owens’ appointment raised a few eyebrows in Clare, Tipperary and the refereeing world after sin-binning Aidan McCarthy in last year’s Munster final

Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 2, FBD Semple Stadium, Co.Tipperary 24/4/2022

A few days ago, I was asked by Tomás McCarthy on WLR about the recruitment of referees and what advice I would give for any budding ones. Enjoyment was my answer. If you can’t glean pleasure out of a job well done and the big occasion, then you’re in it for the wrong reasons.

Looking at the massive crowd in Limerick on Saturday evening reminded me and no doubt many other former inter-county referees of why we were involved. A heavily billed game between the top two hurling teams in the country, it’s an occasion you have to savour while being mindful that there’s a game to be officiated.