Popular Cork referee Denis Morley hangs up his whistle after 54 years service
Referee Denis Morley with Blarney United U14 captain Matthew Murphy and Corkbeg's Aidan Johnston. Picture: Dan Linehan
After over half a century as a referee, Glasheen man Denis Morley has decided to hang up the whistle.
Not an easy decision but one he feels was correct. He can reflect proudly on a great career and is now looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren while assessing games from the sideline.
Refereeing played a huge role in Morley's life. Not only did he enjoy the games and make brilliant friendships but it also helped him to get through the most difficult period of his life when his wife passed away 20 years ago.
And he plans to still stay involved in the game that has given him so much joy over the years.
"After 54 years of very enjoyable refereeing, I decided it was time to hang up the boots and enjoy the sport from the sidelines The end of the 2024 season was finally the right time and while it's some way sad finishing up, I know it was the correct decision.
"I will miss being actively involved on the pitch but I will still be on the committee of the ISRS Cork and will be going to support and enjoy games at the weekend. Of course, as always I will have the camera around my neck to take photos to send to the referees afterwards so for me I still feel very much involved which is important.
"There's no doubt it will be a big change for me as refereeing filled my mornings at weekends, often from 8.45am to 2pm as well as one or two nights per week when night matches were played. This was alongside branch meetings once a month and committee meetings twice a month!"
It filled his time nicely and he enjoyed every minute of it.
"Refereeing has meant so much to me over the years; I have made so many friends and I will never be short of someone to talk refereeing with. My wife passed away 20 years ago; refereeing games and support from my colleagues helped me through this difficult time; I will forever be grateful to the referring community for this support.
He was involved in five national finals and five AOH finals as assistant as well as three Murphy Youth Cup finals and numerous Business League finals.
"Highlights for me would have to be 1989, the FAI Junior Cup Final in Tolka Park with Sean Manley refereeing. Another unforgettable highlight was referring in the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles.
"I will always be grateful to Eddie Doyle for facilitating my active involvement in supporting many Special Olympic events, ensuring it never got in the way of my loyalty to the Cork School Boys League."
So what will the 75-year-old doting grandfather of three miss most from refereeing?
"I will miss the simplest things; my routine of checking every Monday night for my weekend fixtures! That and checking the team colours and selecting my own colours.
And of course the social aspect of it, I have such a great wide circle. My children are forever teasing me that I know people everywhere we go, that is in no small part thanks to refereeing.
"I will always be invested in the society, I'm still only a phone call away and happy to support when needed; especially for new referees, whether they need support in an issue they have encountered or just directions to find the pitch. I have often taken these phone calls and am very happy to continue to do so.
"My children never have and certainly won't have any trouble filling my time. I love being actively involved with my three grandchildren, Conor and Robyn Morley and Jack Murphy. I will now have more time at weekends to enjoy them."
What advice would Morley give to new referees starting out?
"Don't be afraid to ask observers for advice, they are always happy and ready to help. Try to go to see some of the Grade 1 referees' matches, there's a lot to be learned from watching them."
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