No referees means no games, says west Tipperary GAA chairman

The verbal and physical abuse of referees cannot and should never ever be tolerated, Tom Hayes, Chairperson of the West Tipperary GAA Board, stated in his report to Convention.

The Knockavilla/Donaskeigh clubman said, “I would ask clubs to discuss this type of behaviour at your meetings, and it is only by everyone working together that we can eliminate this type of behaviour.

“Remember, no refs, no games !”

He said that the shortage of referees was discussed at board meetings.

With so many games being played at adult and juvenile level, along with camogie and ladies football, it is very difficult at times to find referees for games, he said.

“We are again asking clubs to recruit at least one referee for the coming year. It takes three referees to officiate for championship games.”

He thanked Franny Quinn, the referees co-ordinator in the division, for all his work throughout the year.

Elsewhere in his report, the chairperson said that the shining light for Tipperary hurling in 2022 was the performance of the minor hurlers, winning the Munster Championship after a penalty shootout, “and what a day we had in Nowlan Park for the All-Ireland final against Offaly, who had a very strong and fast team.

“Although Offaly led for most of the game, Tipperary showed great resilience and in extra time were two points down and were then awarded a free in the Offaly half.

“This was the best organised free I have seen for some time, resulting in a goal (for Francis Devaney), which gave Tipperary a magnificent win. Well done to all. We had seven players from this division on the panel.

“Tipperary footballers fared poorly, failing to reach the heights required but as always we live in hope of a better year in 2023.”

Tom Hayes also extended his sympathy to the family of Dillon Quirke, and the Clonoulty/Rossmore club, on his death at Semple Stadium on August 5.

The following officers were elected at the West Board Convention:

Hon President: Most Rev Dermot Clifford.

Life Presidents: Mick Maguire, Jerry Ring, Roger Kennedy.

Chairperson: Tom Hayes (Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams).

Vice Chairperson: Andrew Fryday (Clonoulty/Rossmore).

Secretary: John Morrissey (Galtee Rovers).

Assistant Secretary: Tom O’Donnell (Golden/Kilfeacle).

Treasurer: Claire O’Brien (Arravale Rovers).

Assistant Treasurer: John Currivan (Golden/Kilfeacle).

PRO: John O’Shea (Clonoulty/Rossmore).

Assistant PRO: Francis Coughlan (Arravale Rovers).

Officer Irish Language and Culture: Sean Ó Maoilriain (Arravale Rovers).

Coaching Officer: Tom O’Donnell (Golden/Kilfeacle).

Development Officer: Tom English (Eire Og Annacarty Donohill).

Youth Officer: Owen Doody (Cappawhite).

Bord na nÓg rep: Tommy Landers (Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams).

Referees Co-Ordinator: Franny Quinn (Cappawhite).

Management Committee: Tom Hayes, Andrew Fryday, John Morrissey, Tom O’Donnell, Claire O’Brien, John Currivan, Michael Ryan (C), John O’Shea, Tom English, Billy Ryan P.

CCC: Tom Hayes, John Morrissey, Sean Carmody, Tom English, John O’Shea, Tom O’Donnell and the Referees Coordinator Franny Quinn.