Brian Gavin: All-Ireland referee Liam Gordon must get the balance right

The Galway man has unquestionably been the leading hurling official in the county this season.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Liam Gordon will take charge of the All Ireland SHC final between Cork and Tipperary. Picture: INPHO/Tom Maher

A first All-Ireland senior final is a special thing for a referee as it will be for many of the Tipperary players on Sunday.

Liam Gordon may have 25 years on some of them but he will be just as nervous as those Tipp first-timers. Driven to do the right things. Determined to give the best version of himself. Desperate to avoid blunders.