REFEREES 1994

The current committee of the Cork Branch of the Irish Soccer Referees


Society (ISRS) has an amazing one hundred and forty two years service

between the seven of them.



Vice chairman Eddie Mullins leads the experience stakes; he has been a

referee for 33 years. The others are Pat Kelly (24 years); Denis

Morley (22); Sean Manley (20); Jim McGrath (18); Willie Long (15);

and Christy Byrne (10).



At the recent annual general meeting, Sean Manley was elected chairman

in place of the retiring Derry Barrett. It is Sean's fifth time in

the chair. Mullins was returned a vice-chairman and Willie Long, a

member of the League of Ireland panel, as secretary.



Jim McGrath is in his 12th year as treasurer and Christy Byrne, a

second season FIFA linesman, as assistant secretary. Pat Kelly, a

League of Ireland ref for 14 years and a FIFA ref for five, was re-

elected treasurer while Denis Morley was returned to the committee.



The Cork branch of the ISRS was formed in 1960 and Sam Spillane, one

of the founder members, is still refereeing today. There are 85

members who serve in the League of Ireland, Cork Schoolboys League,

AUL, MSL, and Shipping League. In addition, during the summer months,

Inter-House, Inter-Pub, and Ladies League, are catered for.



A senior ref can be active for 12 months of the year if he so wishes

but it is not easy and, not surprisingly, many prefer to take a break

in summer. Even the regular season schedule can be demanding as the

referee must be prepared to give up every weekend. He has to go out

in all weather conditions and be a peacemaker, timekeeper,

scorekeeper, and often a first aid man, all in one.



The rewards are there, of course, for the successful official: local

cup final appointments, League of Ireland appointments, European club

games, and World Cup ties. But even the regular junior match official

must be quite dedicated. In addition to his weekend dates, he must be

prepared to attend forthnightly Society meetings during the season and

do at least one written and one physical test each year.



Not an easy road. But an enjoyable one. The magnificent seven above

would not have clocked up such mileage if it was all work and no play!



end of story