North Tipp Soccer recognises its Referees at first Awards Night
The North Tipperary branch of the Irish Soccer Referees Society hosted their inaugural annual awards last Saturday at the Hibernian Inn, Nenagh.
The young referee of the year award was won by Cormac Sullivan, and was presented by Ursula Scully, who is member of the Senior FAI Council, NT&DL and NTSFL committees.
The senior referee of the year award was won by Jim McGrath, presented by his colleague, Paul Horgan.
On the night, the North Tipperary Schoolchildren’s Football League (NTSFL) and the North Tipperary & District League (NT&DL) formally presented the North Tipperary branch with a cheque to support the purchase of referee communication systems.
These systems will enhance the efficiency and professionalism of officiating, and will be particularly useful for big games in the league, but also for regional cup games where three or more officials are required. The new communication system was in use during Killavilla United's penalty shootout win over Grattan United in the last round of the Munster Junior Cup.
There was also recognition of the sponsorship that Aidan Kenneally & Sons Builders have very generously provided in support of the referees, through a presentation of new polo shirts by Aidan Kenneally to the North Tipperary branch, with referee David Butler accepting the new shirts on behalf of the branch.
The branch and leagues also took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of recently retired referees, Alec McCormack and John Hayes.
Alec McCormack refereed for fifteen seasons at all levels in North Tipperary, including school children, youths and junior. He has represented the North Tipperary branch of the ISRS with great pride in the Munster Junior Cup, Youths Cup, and FAI Senior Cup.
John Hayes served the branch for two terms, and in between he served in the Limerick District League at the highest levels. It is incumbent on those following in Alec and John’s footsteps to honour their legacy through hard work, knowledge of the game and a respect for all involved.
The Awards come two weeks prior the start of an important campaign being run by the FAI, Referee Month, which runs from 8th to 27th February where more than twenty beginners refereeing courses will be hosted throughout Ireland.
The Tipperary course is aimed at new entrants to refereeing, it is a 6-hour in person course from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, February 15th in Cahir. There is also a similar course in Tullamore on 23rd February.