Tag Archive for: Referees

Register for our Foundation Referee Course

Foundation Referee Course

We’re delighted to announce that our Foundation Referee Course is now live, with confirmed dates in place.

This course is specifically designed for new referees who wish to officiate in Gaelic Football and Hurling.

Course Structure

  • Participants must complete a 1-hour online module prior to attending.
  • Attendance at two face-to-face sessions is required after completing the online module.

Important Information

  • All new referees must be Garda Vetted before officiating at any games.
  • Applicants must be 17 years of age or older to take part in this course.

If you are interested in becoming a referee and contributing to our games, we encourage you to register and begin your journey today.

Online Module

Enrolment Key: RefFound26

Access Online Module

Course Dates & Venues

Carrigtwohill: February 23rd and February 26th, 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Clonakilty: February 28th, 9:30am – 3:00pm (In-person One and Two Courses)

Mallow: March 7th, 9:30am – 3:00pm (In-person One and Two Courses)

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh: March 9th and March 12th, 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Foundation Level 1 Referee Course 2026 – Fill Out Form

Cork GAA Referees on Intercounty Panels

Cork GAA Referees on Intercounty Panels

Cork GAA is proud to acknowledge our referees who are representing the county on the intercounty stage across football, hurling, and academy levels.

Football

Conor Lane
Banteer/Lyre

National Panel

David Murnane
Macroom

National Panel

John Ryan
Macroom

Munster Panel

Cormac Dineen
Douglas

Munster Panel

James Regan
Lough Rovers

Munster Panel

Ciaran Murphy
Glanworth

Munster Panel

Hurling

Colm Lyons
Nemo Rangers

National Panel

Ciaran O’Regan
Ballyhea

National Panel

Shane Scanlon
Newcestown

National Panel

Simon Stokes
Tullylease

Munster Panel

Patrick O’Mahony
Kilbrittain

Munster Panel

Academy

Brian Crowley
Castlehaven

Football

Canice Walsh
Nemo Rangers

Football

Niall Fahy
Brian Dillons

Hurling

Kevin O’Sullivan
Valley Rovers

Hurling

O’Mahony Takes Charge of Colleges/Divisional Section Final

Imokilly claimed the honours in the Colleges/Divisional Section Final, seeing off the challenge of Muskerry in a competitive decider that was played out under the watchful eye of Kilbrittain official Patrick O’Mahony.

The game produced its share of hard battles and flowing passages of play, with Imokilly’s sharper finishing proving decisive on the day. Muskerry stayed in touch for long periods but ultimately couldn’t match the East Cork side’s scoring power when it mattered most.

For referee Patrick O’Mahony, the occasion marked another important step in a refereeing journey that began in 2018 when he completed the referees’ training course. Prior to that, he had already cut his teeth umpiring and running the line for his father, Michael.

“Picking up the whistle wasn’t entirely new to me,” Patrick reflected after the game. “My dad definitely played a big role in encouraging me to go for the course and give refereeing a shot. I never imagined I’d get to where I am today.”

Since joining the Munster Referees Panel in 2024, O’Mahony has benefited from the advice and encouragement of experienced Cork referees who have gone before him. His message to prospective officials is simple:
“Don’t let one bad day discourage you. Just like players, referees can have off days. What matters most is learning from your mistakes and coming back stronger the next time.”

O’Mahony was backed on the day by a strong team of match officials:

  • Umpires: Áine O’Mahony (Kilbrittain), Fergal Keohane (Kilbrittain), Michael Wall (Kilbrittain), Eoghan Hallahan (St Finbarr’s)

  • Linesmen: Michael O’Mahony (Kilbrittain), Cathán Tracy (Nemo Rangers)

  • Fourth Official: Canice Walsh (Nemo Rangers)

With Imokilly celebrating victory and Muskerry left to regroup, the final will also be remembered as another landmark outing for a young referee making his mark at County level.

National Rollout of FRC Referee Training Underway

 

The long-awaited rollout of referee training under the new FRC rules is set to begin after being signed off by Central Council on January 18th, 2025. With the framework now finalized, the training of National Tutors will commence this Friday evening in Croke Park, providing these tutors with the necessary resources to begin delivering the program nationwide the following week.

The initiative aims to ensure consistency and professionalism in refereeing, recognizing that the needs of referees differ significantly from those of players and coaches. It is vital that all referees receive standardized training under the FRC guidelines to maintain uniformity across officiating.

In Cork, the GAA Referees Committee has announced a series of meetings to provide training for referees across the county. The schedule is as follows:

  • 27th January: Imokilly – Midleton GAA Club
  • 29th January: Carbery/Beara – Dunmanway GAA Club
  • 31st January: Muskerry/Seandún/Carrigdhoun – SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
  • 3rd February: Avondhu/Duhallow – Mallow GAA Club
  • 5th February: Muskerry/Seandún/Carrigdhoun – SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
  • 7th February: Páirc Uí Rinn (for referees unable to attend the earlier sessions)

All sessions will begin at 7:30 PM.

Cork referees will benefit from the support of Conor Lane and David Murnane, who have committed to assisting with the rollout. Efforts are also underway to have a representative from the FRC attend some of the sessions to provide additional insight.

The aim is to have all referees trained before the U21 Championships begin on February 9th, ensuring the highest standards of officiating as the season gets underway.

FRC Rule Enhancements Explainer Video

 

Football Review Committee members Jim Gavin, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, and James Horan explain the new rule enhancements for 2025.

FRC chairperson Jim Gavin explains the reasons why the committee was established and the vision to help Gaelic Games become the most enjoyable amateur games in the world to play and watch.

This video should help to familiarise yourself with the new rules.

Watch the FRC committee members break down each new enhancement in our latest explainer video.