12 years after picking up a whistle for the first time, Kevin O'Sullivan is now a FIFA badge holder

HARD work pays off. 

And for Ballyphehane man Kevin O'Sullivan, 12 years after first taking up the whistle, he has received a FIFA badge. 

A remarkable achievement as he is one of just four referees in the country at the moment that holds this honour.

Well known International referee Neil Doyle stepped down which gave an opening for one promising referee to fill the gap and O'Sullivan, although surprised, was richly deserved of the badge. 

It's been 11 years since the last Cork man held a FIFA badge and that was Alan Kelly who has had a remarkable career in Ireland and the States.

With Kelly being an early influence for O'Sullivan, it's an honour for him to be following a similar pathway.

"Within the Cork refereeing circles the first influence for me was Alan Kelly," said O'Sullivan. 

"I remember watching him early in my refereeing career and being incredibly impressed by the level he set. To have received my FIFA badge last week I am truly honoured and certainly wasn't expecting it.

"It has definitely added a layer of pressure, particularly with preparation for the introductory course but I feel privileged to get the opportunity. 

"The badge was awarded to me after Neil Doyle stepped down from the International List and that added a sense of pride given Neil is one of the top referees in the country and has performed at a consistently high level for more than a decade now. 

"There's the added bonus of bringing a referee badge back to Cork after a long absence as well. But I'm prepared to be ready for the challenges ahead. 

"I'm very passionate about refereeing and it's great for my family and my girlfriend as I know how proud they are.

"I will travel to Cyprus next week for the introductory course in which I'm really looking forward to. 

"It's a packed schedule with lectures and workshops starting from 9pm on the night I land in Cyprus. 

"There is also an intensive fitness test and examination of laws of the game knowledge. 

"UEFA's Referee Committee deliver most of the lectures and they are generally interactive, focusing on topics like handball, judging challenges and player management."

So what difference will this badge make to the 28 year old accountant?

"It puts a slightly different perspective on things and brings an added pressure but beyond (hopefully) refereeing in European competitions at times. 

"I won't allow it to change my style of refereeing or the need to continue developing as a referee.

"Outside of Alan, both Pat and Graham Kelly have been an immense help to me. Pat in his role as an observer and Graham first as a colleague and now as a coach. 

"Having someone to bounce ideas or problems off is a major help, particularly when you know them well. Outside of the Kelly's I've been lucky enough to have Eddie Foley involved as an observer and coach at both grassroots and LOI level too. 

"Locally, Keith Callanan, Dan Deady and Anthony Buttimer were early influences, though my refereeing style might be a little different to Anthony! 

"There really are too many to mention though, I've been incredibly lucky with the people I have come across and the friends I have made, particularly within the Cork panel of the LOI referees."

Apart from having major influences, O'Sullivan is not forgetting the hard work needed to reach this stage of his career.

"There's a lot of work and sacrifices which go unseen, except to those closest to you. 

"Traveling to Dublin or further every Friday night takes a toll both personally and professionally. 

"I'm lucky that I have a flexible environment at work and an understanding girlfriend! I'm refereeing 12 years now and the hard work really ramped up from about 2015 onwards when I was accepted to the FAI Referee School of Excellence program. 

"From there, it's been a case of trying to develop through doing as many competitive games as possible and taking on development points from observers. 

"We review each of our games in full and have follow-up calls with observers so it takes up much more time than just the travel and matches.

"My aim now is to continue progressing both domestically and in European competitions too. 

"At the European level, because our league doesn't operate with VAR, appointments may be intermittent but it would be great to get a run of games in my first season. 

"At home, I want to perform at a consistently high level in the Premier Division and hopefully be considered for the top games in the country on a regular basis. 

"The biggest thing for me though is continuing to learn - receiving the badge is fantastic but I don't see it as an end in itself."