Cuala Men in the Middle on Top of their Game

We’ve managed to bring you stories of many historic teams over the years but Cartlann Digiteach Cuala has so far missed a vital element in what makes our games so successful – the match officials. So we we’re delighted that Fintan Quill made contact to remind us that Cuala has a great tradition of referees particularly in the 1980s when  Cuala members officiated at no less than 3 All Ireland Senior Hurling Finals in the space of 6 years. Not many clubs can claim such a distinction.

Noel O’Donoghue was the man with the whistle in 1980 (Joe Cooney’s Galway beat Sean Foley’s Limerick 2:15 to 3:09) and again in 1982 (Brian Cody’s Kilkenny saw-off Jimmy Barry Murphy’s Cork 3:18 to 1:13).  Noel was supported by 4 Cuala clubmates as umpires in these fixtures – Proinsias O’Maoláin (1980 & 1982), Frank McHugh (1980 & 1982),  Sean Moran (1982) &  John Bailey (1980).  He was remembered in 2022 as being among Five of the Best Referees by the Irish Independent and went on to serve in many positions overseeing Match officials and Hawkeye

 

 

John Bailey refereed the 1986 Hurling Final (Tom Cashman’s Cork overcame Noel Lane’s Limerick 4:13 to 2:15) and had a team of 4 Cuala umpires – Jimmy Doyle, Austin Duffy, Frank McHugh and Dominic Byrne.  John brought the Cuala crest to even higher office when he twice served as Dublin County Chairman, 1993 – 1998 and 2001 – 2006. During his first tenure he was centrally involved in the re-development of Parnell Park.

 

 

The next top whistleblower could be you.  Coiste na Réiteoirí are running a new referee course in the New Year to qualify participants to referee at adult football and/or hurling

 

 

 

 

 

Read more History Articles here

Cartlann Digiteach Cuala (Cuala Digital Archive) was established in 2009 to assemble an on-line archive of images, stories and memorabilia relating to Cuala and its ‘ancestral’ clubs.  If you have any information or material to share with us, please contact –
Michael Goodwin, +353 (0) 87 2266140,  history@cualagaa.ie
Contributors can be assured that all material will be treated with care and returned promptly.

 

Referee Recruitment

Due to the chronic shortage of referees at adult level, and with a new season in sight, Coiste na Réiteoirí are running a new referee course in late Jan/early Feb to qualify participants to referee at adult football and/or hurling.

With referee resources stretched to the limit, members of GAA clubs are encouraged to consider making the step across to refereeing.

Refereeing is a great way to keep fit, learn about the game and its rules, and give something back to the game.

Enquiries or application for the course via the contact details in the poster above.

Level 3 (Youth) Refereening Course

Level 3 (Youth) Refereeing Course

The following GAA Referee of Youth Games (Level 3 U13-U16) course is now open for registration

COURSE: Level 3 (U13/U16)
VENUE: St. Jude’s GAA
DATES: 9th/11th/16th and 21st September
TIMES: 7pm-9pm with practical session on 21st TBA.

Attendance is essential for all nights to qualify so please ensure that you are available on all dates before registering. 

Course requirements are as follows:

  • Must be 18yrs or over.
  • Fully garda vetted. This process must be complete before you begin to referee.
  • Currently a registered member of a GAA club
  • Complete online entrance exam (pass rate 70% required)
  • Course fee €100 with referee gear.

Please note you do not have to be qualified at level 1 and/or level 2 to attend this course.

Please see attached link which gives an outline of course content and details:
https://coaching.dublingaa.ie/coach-referee-education/level-3-referee-course

Registration is through the Club Referee coordinator only. Email office@cualagaa.ie with your name and email address to register.