Antrim referee’s committee are making a fresh appeal for new referees and full training and support will be given to those who would like to take up the whistle.

Our Gaelic games quite simply cannot go ahead without the man in the middle and Antrim have been blessed with great men who have taken up the referee’s baton over the years.

Brendan Toland and his committee point out the benefits for those who would like to come on board with personal fitness just one of the pluses from refereeing regularly.

The course for beginners will take place at Davitt’s GAC on the 11^th & 13^th March and anyone wishing to take part should contact Brendan Toland on TOLANDB15@GMAIL.COM

The death of Mary Devlin RIP took place on Saturday 24^th February at Lisburn Intermediate Care Centre after a long illness. Mary was born on June 21^st 1941 to parents who lived in the Hannahstown area near Belfast. She married Sean Devlin RIP in 1962 and moved to live in Glenavy where she joined St Joseph’s GAC. A stalwart supporter of St Joseph’s teams and all aspects of the club, she quickly became involved in fundraising and social events. In later years, she, along with her husband Sean, became one of the club’s regular competitors in Scór competitions winning many county titles in the Novelty Act section.

Members of the press, who covered games at Chapel Hill, and at Casement Park, over the years will remember her hospitable welcome and the teas and refreshments she served to all comers.

Mary also adjudicated in Irish Dancing competitions and enjoyed watching the young dancers at many competitions including the World Dancing competitions at the Waterfront Hall – always arriving early to get a good seat and not leaving until the last competitions winners were announced.

Mary was also a member of Glenavy Apostolic Work branch for many years, giving many years to raising funds for the educational, medical and spiritual needs of poor families and children in developing countries of the world. Always dressed to perfection, make up perfect and hair sitting exactly right, Mary could be found selling cakes, homemade apple pies and her homemade fruit loaves at ever Apostolic Work sale.

She was a devout member of the Parish of Glenavy and Killead where she was a Minister of The Word. Mary Devlin will be sadly missed by her many friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam