Why are Munster referees ignored for All-Ireland football semi-finals?

Twenty one All-Ireland SFC semi-finals have passed since a Munster referee was last appointed to take charge of a last four game.

As the referees appointments committee sits down to discuss their appointments for the forthcoming Tipperary-Mayo and Dublin-Kerry games, the startling figure is just one of several statistics that highlight how match officials from the province have been overlooked for major games in both codes.

Not since the 2001 final between Galway and Meath have Munster had a referee appointed to a September decider when Clonakilty’s Michael Collins took charge.