Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1513251
www.ladiesgaelic.ie | AUTUMN 2023 | 45 REFEREE Focus Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: Q: A: A: A: A: A: A: A: A: A: You are currently on the National Referee Accelerate Programme. Why did you decide to apply to be part of the programme? I participated in the Learn to Lead Female Leadership programme last year (21-22) in the officiating strand and one of the exercises was our goals for refereeing. I think it is every referees dream to reach the ultimate level of becoming a National referee and the chance to hopefully referee in Croke Park someday. I have had the privilege to be on the line at National level for National League and All Ireland Finals and it would be a privilege to get the opportunity one day to be the woman in the middle. I have enjoyed my time so far as a referee and want to continue to improve and learn. Tell us a little bit about your experience on the Programme so far? I'm part of a great group of people from across Ireland, everyone was really welcoming the first time we met and I know that we will support each other through the programme. We've had 2 modules so far covering the technical and physical sides of refereeing. What elements of the programme to date are you enjoying most? Have you any significant take-away moment to date? We had a talk recently from National Development Officer with a remit for Match Official Development, David Lernihan, and I also attended the Ulster provincial hub about pre-season preparation which was really informative. The teams are all training harder and S&C is more the norm. The game has also got a lot faster, so it makes sense that we as referees have to train that bit more too. What elements of the programme are you looking forward to? What elements of the programme do you think will challenge you most or challenge your thinking? I'm looking forward to the teamwork side of things. I was talking to someone recently about umpiring and doing linesperson and what they involve. A lot of people don't understand that at provincial and national level a referee walks on to a pitch as part of a team supported by their linespeople, umpires and fourth official. In relation to challenging my thinking, I really enjoy the rules sessions and watching games video clips. This is how you improve and learn, also discussing with fellow referees and their perception of the situation. The increased coverage and live streaming of matches is fantastic for our sport and provides a great learning resource. What is the most challenging aspect of being a referee or match official? Is there anything you have learned over the years that has helped you cope with challenging moments? The mental challenge that comes with being a referee, including dealing with difficult situations. I feel it is important to have a good support network around you and talk to the more experienced referees. It's good to reflect on your match and look for 3 things you did well before looking at went wrong. As my good friend Helen says "it is only a mistake if you repeat it". Can you tell us about your most memorable moment officiating? In 2021 I had my first assignment in Croke Park as linesperson for the TG4 Junior All-Ireland Final. It is a huge privilege to be able to walk out on that pitch at the home of Gaelic games and represent my county as an official. Is there any one LGFA rule you wish people were more aware of? For a kickout the ball must cross the 20m line, before being played by another player. If a kickout does not cross the 20m line only the goalkeeper can play the ball. Where any other player touches the ball a free will be awarded to the opposition from the 20m line opposite to were the foul occurred. What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking up the whistle or applying to be on the Programme in 2024? If it's something you're thinking about doing, go for it! There has been so much work put into the pathways for Ladies Gaelic refereeing now and fantastic programmes like the 'Learn to Lead' help encourage more female referees. Whatever level you want to go to there are great pathways and wonderful opportunities waiting for you. Finally, what advice would you give your younger self? Pick up the whistle sooner and "Say Yes to the opportunities that come your way, as you never know where they may lead!" Image from previous page: Ciara Gilroy of Tullylish GAA club in Down is presented with her graduation medallion by Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Mícheál Naughton, during the Learn to Lead LGFA Female Leadership Programme graduation evening at the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin. The Learn to Lead programme was devised to develop the next generation of leaders within Ladies Gaelic Football.