Upset among up-and-coming officials as football championship referee panel cut

There is some consternation among up-and-coming referees about a perceived lack of opportunity in the championship panel

MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Referee Brendan Cawley with Donegal's Patrick McBrearty and Kerry's Gavin White before the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The referees panel for the forthcoming All-Ireland senior football championship has been whittled down from 24 to 20 this year.

The national referee development committee met with the central referees appointment committee last Thursday to finalise the match officials who will take charge of games starting with the provincial openers on April 11 and 12.