‘We’ve had a phenomenal year’ - referees administrator Pat Walsh 

Pat Walsh says there has been a significant improvement on all matters when it comes to Donegal GAA officials in 2024. 

The Donegal referees administrator - in his annual report to Convention, to be held next Wednesday, December 11 in Pettigo - also explained that the county now has a referees’ list of 75 compared to 65 in 2023. 

And while the Football Review Committee’s new playing rules will bring challenges to the county’s referees in 2025, Walsh says he’s confident that transition can be made. 

“In preparation for this report, I looked back at the 2023 equivalent for updating purposes, and in an effort to gauge how refereeing matters are progressing in these changing times. 

“It is fair to say that the most important aspect of last year's Report was a fairly urgent appeal to all clubs to ensure that you had at least one referee in your ranks, to distribute the workload evenly and effectively across the county and Regions. 

“If one was to judge our performance in 2024 on that criteria alone, we have had nothing short of a phenomenal year. 

“In simple terms, the Leabhran Eolais for 2023 listed 65 referees, some of whom had stepped away from the role, so the update, reflecting active status in the adult and underage grades of both codes, was badly needed. 

“With the removal of 6 names and the addition of no fewer than 16 new referees, the 2024 Leabhran lists 75, their clubs and what roles they can be called upon. 

“As recently as within the last 6 weeks, 3 more new referees have been added to the panel, so things are going in the right direction. 

“Apart from actual numbers, we are now at a point where only one club is without a referee, so, as this is not a finger-pointing exercise, maybe that club can take inspiration from the recruiting drive that has brought us to this point, please. 

“Of course, such progress is the result of huge commitment on the part of our Recruitment Officer, Don Langan, who has worked his socks off to get us where we are now. 

“Don showed patience and understanding to the clubs and individuals that were approached, spending time and genuine goodwill with all. 

“Lest anyone think it is just a matter of letting your name go in an Annual booklet for delegates to pore over, each referee has to undergo a 5-stage course, including 2 on-line and 2 in-person sessions with our Tutor, Jimmy White, before doing the Rules Test and necessary Child-protection courses. 

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“So it is quite a task, from recruitment to throwing up a ball to start a game. Therefore a huge "Thank you" to Don, but also to Jimmy, as mentioned, who as ever has been available and enthusiastic at every stage of the job”.

In regards to the seven core FRC rule changes, Walsh explained: “We all know that rules changes are upon us all. As I write, ahead of the decision-making Congress, and as those decisions will be known to Convention. 

“There is little we can say, apart from the fact that the outcome will be reflected in our efforts in 2025. 

“It is my opinion that, while the referee will always get a certain amount of criticism and blame for whatever happens during the game, the heightened awareness of the referees and their role in controlling the game, should become more obvious. 

“Whatever is to come, we will strive, with the help of clubs and supporters to meet the requirements and play our role in bringing a better product to those attending our games”.