Renowned LOI referee Neil Doyle to hang up his whistle

Referee Neil Doyle. Pic: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Reigning Referee of the Year Neil Doyle is to retire with immediate effect at the age of 48.

Refereeing since 1995, Doyle joined the FAI list in 2001 and was promoted to the international panel in 2011, since assigned to a number of World Cup qualifiers and Champions League fixtures.

Domestically, he took charge of two FAI Cup finals at Lansdowne Road, 2012 followed by 2018, and also oversaw the 2014 final day top-flight title decider between Dundalk and Cork City.

The respect with which he was held among players was reflected by him being a multiple winner of the annual Players FAI (PFAI) Premier referee ballot, including the most recent last November.

The Dublin-based schoolteacher refereed his final game on Friday night, a cracking Louth Derby at Drogheda United that Dundalk shaded 3-2.

It’s understood he informed colleagues of his decision today and is expected to remain involved within officialdom in some capacity.