Situation at ‘crisis point’ as GAA referees dwindle amid incidents in four different counties

Who would be a referee?

On the thankless job scale, there’s no doubt about it, that of whistle-blower is right at the very top.

In rugby, for the most part, officials are treated with due respect but unfortunately, as a number of incidents over the last few weeks have highlighted, it’s an absolute free-for-all in the GAA.

In September alone, there have been incidences of disrespect and violence towards referees in four different games, in four different counties. First of all, an individual was handed a 96 week ban for his conduct at a Roscommon underage match while, in the last week, there have been further controversies in Kerry, Mayo and in Wexford.

It’s no wonder that, all around the country, there is a real shortage of them.

The Wexford issue concerned a football game between St Joseph’s and Our Lady’s Island and, in its aftermath, the St Joseph’s club issued a statement on the matter.

“Following a meeting of the executive committee of St. Joseph’s GAA club , a decision has been taken to suspend indefinitely with immediate effect the club member at the centre of the alleged incident at our junior football game on Sunday morning

“A full investigation is now underway by our club disciplinary committee along with Wexford GAA Co Board and the CCC.”

Following a meeting of the executive committee of St. Joseph’s GAA club , a decision has been taken to suspend indefinitely with immediate effect the club member at the centre of the alleged incident at our junior football game on Sunday morning.

— St. Joseph's GAA Club Wexford (@stjosephswexgaa) September 26, 2022

Wexford GAA meanwhile, confirmed that the Gardaí are involved in dealing with the ‘alleged incident.’

“Wexford GAA is aware of an incident involving match officials during a junior football match today, Sunday,” read a statement from the county board.