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Cork GAA Referee Committee: Supporting Our Officials
Referee Committee is a group dedicated to ensuring that our referees are supported, developed, and equipped to excel in their roles. The committee, which was announced during the July County Board meeting in 2023, brings together a talented team focused on key areas such as recruitment, mentoring, and retention.
The committee will work to foster a positive environment for referees, ensuring their contributions to Cork GAA are acknowledged and valued. They will oversee vital aspects like umpire support, equipment provision, and public relations, while also addressing challenges referees face in today’s fast-paced games.
Committee Roles and Responsibilities
The committee is led by Chairperson Niall Barrett from Carrigtwohill, who also serves as Referee Administrator to the County Committee. Supporting him is Secretary Jim McEvoy from Blarney, ensuring smooth coordination and administration.
Each member has a specialized role:
- Recruitment: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers) will focus on attracting new referees to ensure a strong pool for the future.
- Mentoring: Diarmuid Kirwan (Éire Óg) will guide and support new referees as they begin their journey.
- Retention: Cormac Dineen (Douglas) will work to maintain and support current referees, ensuring their long-term involvement.
- Umpires: Paddy Corkery (Éire Óg) will focus on umpire support and development.
- Equipment: Jamie Lane (Dungourney) will oversee the provision of top-quality equipment to enhance referee performance.
- Public Relations: Cathal Ó Murchú (Brian Dillons) will ensure that the work of referees and the committee is communicated effectively.
Looking Ahead
The Referee Committee plays an essential role in Cork GAA’s success, and their dedication ensures the continued development of refereeing standards in the county.
As part of Cork GAA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen this vital area, a new committee will be appointed at the end of January 2025 to build on the excellent work of the current team.
Cork GAA is grateful to the committee members for their service and commitment to our games. Together, they are creating a supportive environment that allows referees to thrive.
| Chairperson | Niall Barret | Carrigtwohill |
| Runai | Jim McEvoy | Blarney |
| Recruitment | Colm Lyons | Nemo Rangers |
| Mentoring | Diarmuid Kirwan | Eire Og |
| Retention | Cormac Dineen | Douglas |
| Umpires | Paddy Corkery | Eire Og |
| Equipment | Jamie Lane | Dungourney |
| PRO | Cathal O Murchu | Brian Dillions |
| Avondhu | John O Donovan | Killavullen |
| Beara | John Enright | Glengarriff |
| Carrigdoun | Brian Coinry | Crosshaven |
| Carberry | Eamon Sheedy | Newcestown |
| Duhallow | Dan Dennehy | Cullen |
| Muskery/Advisors | Miah Moynihan | Grenagh |
| Seandun | James Dorgan | Nemo Rangers |
| Imokily | Jerome O Brien | Cloyne |
Supporting Cork GAA Referees: Advisors & Mentors
Cork GAA is committed to ensuring that our referees have the support they need to excel in their roles. One key area of support is through the network of Referee Advisors and Mentors, who are available to provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement to referees across the county.
These experienced individuals play a vital role in helping referees develop their skills and navigate the challenges of officiating.
Referee Advisors and Mentors
- John Geaney (Killshannig)
- Dave Farrell (Mitchelstown)
- John Dinnen (Mallow)
- Seamus Coakley (D. Ó Mathúna)
- Michael Collins (Clonakilty)
- David Whyte (St. Mary’s)
- Donal McCarthy (Dohenys)
- John Crowley (Ó D. Rossa)
- Charlie McAllister (Midleton)
- Ger Sweeney (Glenville)
- Jerome O’Brien (Cloyne)
- Don Hegarty (Carrignavar)
- James Hennessy (Dungourney)
- Niall Barrett (Carrigtwohill)
- Gene Buckley (Grenagh)
- John Crean (Aghabullogue)
- Michael Keane (Cloughduv)
- Donal Forde (Donoughmore)
- Miah Moynihan (Grenagh)
- Diarmuid Kirwan (Éire Óg)
- John Kearney (Na Piarsaigh)
- James Dorgan (Nemo Rangers)
- Denis Linehan (Nemo Rangers)
If you are a referee and would like to seek support or guidance from a mentor, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at refereesadministrator.cork@gaa.ie to be connected with an advisor or mentor in your area.
Cork GAA is grateful for the commitment of these advisors and mentors, who play an essential role in developing and supporting referees at all levels.
