Cork Branch of The Irish Soccer Referees News 2008.
Aug 2008
With the new season fast approaching on the horizon the old season now seems a distant memory. However this memory will be a long lasting one for many reasons within the Cork refereeing circles. A truly exceptional year saw many ups and downs and some great new adventures.
The season began with a new major sponsorship deal for the Branch when Chairman Tom Tully welcomed Cashman�s Bookmakers onboard. This deal is a considerable agreement due to cover the next four seasons, and indeed �the largest sponsorship of any branch of the Society in the Country and has set a bench mark for all to follow� according to Joe O�Brien President of ISRS.
Also off the pitch the Branch website has continued to grow and now offers a complete guide to all matters refereeing as well as a complete local fixtures guide and a comprehensive directions page with all local grounds covered and indeed a Google map facility now available which can plan your journey from anywhere in Ireland to any uploaded pitch. For those who have not visited yet please have a look at www.isrscork.com..

We held a prestigious event in March when we brought the renowned Ex Referee and UEFA Referees Committee Member, David Elleray to The C.A.T to enlighten, educate and most importantly entertain us with his life story and many funny anecdotes following his 20 years at the top in England and worldwide. I think David surprised most people in attendance when he spoke of not seeing Roy Keane�s infamous tackle on Alfie Haaland, and how he dealt with the incident in the 15 seconds after the event, which was enlightening to all. In the audience at The C.A.T was Mossie Keane, Roy�s father and the subsequent photographs of the pair is testament that this was a truly special event, indeed David enjoyed the trip to Cork so much that he suggested a repeat in the future and has become a good friend to all in the Cork Branch.

On the pitch we also had some new adventures. With Blarney Utd and Mayfield Utd opening their superb new facilities and the inclement weather during the year we had an introduction to their new FIFA Approved all weather pitches with regular trips for several teams who benefited from the co-operation of both Clubs when helping with FAI and Munster Junior Cup fixtures that would have been lost to Cork venues if not played there. This became a new challenge to both Players and Referees with a notable difference in the speed of the game and a challenge for Referees as they had to compensate for the necessary adjustments by players on the surfaces.

It was also a good year for local Referees where both Damien O�Mahony and John Lyne were honoured with the Oscar Traynor and FAI Intermediate Cup Finals respectively, indeed Damien made history by becoming the first ever Referee to officiate in the middle of a third AOH Final in May. It was also truly encouraging to see many new faces in the middle for AUL Finals at The Cross, an experience that is a aspiration for any Referee.

Alan Kelly refereed a last 32 match in the UEFA Cup as well as many other prestigious international appointments including a return to the Emirates Tournament in London. Also officiating at many UEFA matches were Anthony Buttimer and Ken Hennessey.

It was announced towards the end of the season that renowned local Referee Tom Tully was selling his whistle to concentrate on his new career, however on a good note Tom has been appointed by the FAI as an Observer which will help all Referees by having someone of Toms experience staying involved. Christy Byrne has also retired after a long career locally, nationally and indeed internationally.

On a sad note a recent recruit to Refereeing, Francis Higgins from Kanturk passed away after a short illness. Francis had only become involved although we all knew him from his involvement with Kanturk. Another former stalwart of the Branch passed away also recently when one of the original members of ISRS Cork, Rory O'Connor passed away. May they both Rest in Peace

May we also take this opportunity to wish our colleague Jim McGrath a speedy recovery from his recent illness.

On behalf of the Cork Branch of ISRS may we wish everyone involved in all local soccer best wishes for a good and passive season.