This is what happens when you ask a former county player to do umpire.
It’s tough for any man to stay behind the white lines of a GAA pitch – why do you think so many managers plant themselves 20 yards into the field to watch a game?
It must be especially tough for a man like Martin Conway who has reached the top to represent his county in his own playing days.
The Moortown native played in goals for Tyrone at the turn of the century and it’s good to see that he’s keeping active anyway.
During that cracking battle in Tralee when Kerry and Dublin played out a draw in the national league, Conway was doing umpire with Sean Hurson in charge of proceedings and by God he did not throw on that white coat as a procession.
It’s an exciting era for the GAA with umpires offering so much more to the cause than just a point or wide signal. They have two eyes and a brain as well and they should be used – like one guy was used in Celtic Park a few weeks ago to brilliant effect.
GAA umpires far and wide, take note!https://t.co/ggPoqQrxHz
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 27, 2017
Down in Kerry, Martin Conway proved his worth to any referee out there.
In injury time of the game, with the four added minutes already played, the Tyrone man was right on hand to keep a close eye on what would be a crucial final play.
The ball is kicked in to Paul Geaney, Michael Fitzsimons follows him out wide… so too does Conway.
The umpire sprints from his post out to the action in the corner.
He then jostles for position, refusing to be sold by Geaney’s footwork.
Looks like he could’ve made the tackle himself.
In all seriousness though, it’s heartening to see lads taking their job to this level of commitment and we are seeing a big improvement in the performance of some officials.
Hopefully it’s a long way from the dark days.
Umpire Chops Scully making sure it was definitely agoal @Carlow_GAA @kclr96fm @SportsJOEdotie @JOEdotie @LeoMcgough pic.twitter.com/7RB5VdFy1H
— Graiguecullen GAA (@Graiguegaa) April 2, 2016
