Experienced GAA referee Brian Coniry on his career as a man in the middle

Referee Brian Coniry sets out his stall on improving the lot of the man with the whistle as referees continue to face ongoing challenges.

One of the longest-serving match officials in the county, Coniry earned his stripes as a referee while serving in the Defence Forces, completing the course with current Mayo manager, Kevin McStay.

Grateful to the late Jim Forbes for encouraging him to pursue a career as a ref after an injury had finished his playing career, the Crosshaven clubman says that support continues with the current officers of the South East Board.

“We are the luckiest as referees in the county with our own division, no matter what we want, what we ask for, what we need they are first class."

Certainly, that support is often required as the level of abuse suffered by officials continues to be a problem, especially at underage.

I walked away from Rebel Óg because of the level of abuse I was getting and not from the mentors but from parents." 

While paying tribute to county referee administrator Niall Barrett and his team, he makes a strong argument for the need for more officials at games.

“It is impossible to get help at matches this time of the year, because we are all pulling out of the same pool.

“I think if it was made compulsory with reward, for every club to send four club members to train as umpires by doing that I’d only have to turn up at a game with two officials." 

Of course, he admits that referees can be nervous before big games.

"You must be confident in your own ability." 

Communication for the experienced official is crucial to being a successful referee.

"Every time you blow the whistle, if you are in earshot of the guys you need to say what the foul is for. In circumstances where you don’t see an incident you need to communicate with the other match officials." 

GOSPEL

For many new referees learning these skills are often learned the hard way.

"Firstly, for young referees to attach themselves to an experienced referee in their division, and go out and do a line for that referee to build experience." 

He also emphasises the importance of the referee’s match report, which Coniry describes as ‘Gospel’.

The submission needs to be clear, unambiguous and, above all, accurate of a specific incident.

Of course, the elephant in the room is the lack of referees across the board, putting pressure on officials to cover too many games in one weekend. 

Coniry said he's often amazed by the entourage on the line accompanying teams and yet that club might have no referee.

After 30 years holding the fort in the middle of the park, he’s set to continue and his words of wisdom could prove beneficial for those that follow.