Clare referees honoured by GAA

DICKIE Murphy from Wexford was the special guest at the Clare GAA referees’ presentation night and dinner which was held at the Auburn Lodge Hotel on Saturday night last.
Murphy who refereed at the top level throughout the past 20 years, recalled his refereeing career and encouraged more people to take up refereeing. He spoke of the enjoyment he had got from his time refereeing before making presentations to James Griffin from Doonbeg and John Nihill from Sixmilebridge, who had taken charge of the Clare football and hurling finals in 1986.
Clare GAA chairman Michael O’Neill paid tribute to the Clare referees before making presentations to the referees of the 2011 Clare senior finals, Rory Hickey (senior hurling) and Pat Cosgrove (senior football). Cosgrove was unable to attend on the night.
Martin Reynolds (Bord na nÓg hurling) and John Smith (Bord na nÓg football) spoke on behalf of both underage bodies.
Clare referees secretary John Dolan replied on behalf of the referees.