Westmeath man Cathal Boland looking forward to first county final

Only in his second year officiating in Donegal, Boland is a native of Rosemount, Co Westmeath, close to Moate and is just 32 years of age.

Married to Ruth, a sister of Ardara and Donegal legend, Paddy McGrath, Boland moved to live in Ardara last year and because he had been refereeing in Westmeath, the Ardara club moved quickly to enlist him to officiate in his new surroundings.

“I well remember my first game. I was appointed to a Senior Reserve game between Naomh Columba and Gaoth Dobhair in Glen and my memory was of ‘when will I ever get to this pitch’. The rugged land and the sheep on the road and then when I got there the Gaoth Dobhair side were speaking in Irish. I was wondering ‘what have I got myself into’.

“But I got through it and the refereeing took wheels after that,” said Boland, who had a special word of thanks for Pat Walsh, the referees’ administrator, who encouraged him to keep going.

And it was a very good first season for the Westmeath native as he was appointed to referee the All-County Division 1 League final between Termon and Four Masters followed by the Junior Co final between Carndonagh and Letterkenny Gaels.

Being from outside the county means that Cathal Boland has no baggage at present when it comes to officiate at any particular game, something with which he agrees.

“Absolutely. I have no connections and that has really helped.”

And at just 32, he is one of the younger referees on the circuit. “I have been fortunate. Pat Walsh saw something in me and pushed me along. I was lucky to get on the Ulster panel as well and I refereed the Ulster Minor League final this year.

“You need to be fit and you must have a rapport with the players. It is all about communication and respect. I feel if I communicate well and respect the players I will get it back. It is also important to explain why you made a decision. The players might not agree but they will respect you for giving them the explanation.”

Already this year Boland has officiated at three senior championship games, one intermediate championship game and the senior relegation play-off.

As regards his new adopted club, he says they are a young team and will need time to develop and they have the right man to lead them in brother-in-law Paddy McGrath. “He is a warrior and they don’t make them like him anymore.”

As for special preparations for Sunday’s big game in MacCumhaill Park, Boland says he will do his usual training and will meet with his umpires a day or two beforehand to go through the rules and try to be ready.

“Referees getting to a final like this just doesn’t happen. You have to put in the work.

“I want nobody to be talking about me at the end of the game.”

He will have his four umpires with him on Sunday as he has had all year - James McHugh, David Classon, James Doherty and Dermot Curristan. “They are so important; the unsung heroes,” says Boland.

After Sunday, Boland says he has no problem admitting that he would be ambitious. “I would love to get on the National panel. Please God if everything goes well that might happen.”

He is definitely in the running for the Ulster club championship games which will be coming up at the start of November. “I should be in the running for those and hopefully get a game, whether it be at junior, intermediate or senior.”