On Sunday, like thousands of other GAA fans (fanatics) I braved the storm in order to attend a GAA game. In my case as a photographer-reporter my first stop was Slemish Park in Ballymena for a Feile game between All Saints and Rasharkin.
The game lasted a mere five minutes before the biting wind and snow brought it to a halt. Referee Ciaran Lagan made the only decision possible, in my opinion and one of the South West’s newest referees should be applauded.
First of all for turning up on a bitter cold morning to make the game possible and then acting in the best interests of the children who were taking part when he decided to halt proceeding as the snow began to pour from the sky.
Despite the less than favourable forecast I decided to head to Ballinderry where Tir na nOg were facing St. Patrick’s Gortin in the Ulster Intermediate final not sure if I would have the opportunity to photograph or not but I’m glad I did.
Despite a bitter cold wind and a few skiffs of rain the game went ahead on an excellent Ballinderry pitch, again only made possible by the attendance of referee Enda McFeely from Kilcar in Donegal and a very efficient band of umpires and linesmen, all of who accompanied him on the day.
Tir na nOg won their first Ulster Intermediate football title as St. Patrick’s contributed to their own downfall by having two players dismissed in the opening half. In both cases referee McFeeley consulted with his neutral linesmen and umpires before showing straight Red cards.
As the referee left the field with his linesmen and umpires at the end of the game I took a photograph and on closer examination afterwards I was surprised to see that one of Enda McFeeley’s umpires was no other than RTE pundit and former All Ireland winner, Martin McHugh.
Making my way back home to Ballymena as the dark clouds re-emerged over Slemish I reflected on the commitment made by Enda McFeeley and his officials with Martin McHugh’s presence thought provoking.
It wasn’t that he performed his duties any better than the six men who had accompanied him to Ballinderry but that even with his high profile he was willing to give up his Sunday to help out his club official in the execution of his duty.
All over Ireland on Sunday and indeed every Sunday car loads of referees and officials set out to perform similar duties. People like Ciaran Lagan, Enda McFeeley are a rare breed. Our games only take place because of these men and woman who are prepared to go the extra mile and more often than not their only reward is abuse and vilification.
Give our referees a wee break this season!
