Those are the words of the man in the middle. So we sent our roving reporter and Club President Mr Andy Johnston to find out more about the man and women who give up their time so we can play and watch rugby.
It was great to catch up with our Club referees last week. I would like to thank Marcus Lynch, Paul McDunphy, Neil McKeever and Diarmuid Sexton for their continued commitment and efforts on behalf of Suttonians over the years. Marcus and Paul have been on the whistle for 20 years and 15 years respectively while Neil and Diarmuid have become involved over the last 5 years.
Without referees they say there can be no game and while that is true, promoting and providing referees is a demonstration of the Clubs commitment to supporting rugby across the country. By providing referees our Club enables games across Leinster at senior men and womens, Minis and Youths as well as at school level. By consistently providing referees our standing within Leinster Rugby is enhanced and may even play a part in ticket allocation.
The Club has a proud record down the years both on the pitch but also at administration levels including providing 3 Presidents of the Leinster Branch Referees Association including Paddy Lavery, Bill O'Brien and Tom Tuohy. We have also provided a touch judge for an International, namely former Club Captain Basil Russell who took up the whistle after his playing days. Basil was touch judge for the Ireland v Australia International at Lansdowne Road in 1967.
It was great to catch up with our Club referees last week. I would like to thank Marcus Lynch, Paul McDunphy, Neil McKeever and Diarmuid Sexton for their continued commitment and efforts on behalf of Suttonians over the years. Marcus and Paul have been on the whistle for 20 years and 15 years respectively while Neil and Diarmuid have become involved over the last 5 years.
Without referees they say there can be no game and while that is true, promoting and providing referees is a demonstration of the Clubs commitment to supporting rugby across the country. By providing referees our Club enables games across Leinster at senior men and womens, Minis and Youths as well as at school level. By consistently providing referees our standing within Leinster Rugby is enhanced and may even play a part in ticket allocation.
The Club has a proud record down the years both on the pitch but also at administration levels including providing 3 Presidents of the Leinster Branch Referees Association including Paddy Lavery, Bill O'Brien and Tom Tuohy. We have also provided a touch judge for an International, namely former Club Captain Basil Russell who took up the whistle after his playing days. Basil was touch judge for the Ireland v Australia International at Lansdowne Road in 1967.
Did you know that International referees even based the design for their jersey on our club shirt in 2000's
If your playing days are over and you would be interested in getting involved then we would love to catchup and discuss. Leinster provide training and there are plenty of opportunities in Minis and Youth to figure out if it's for you. Contact Emer in the office for more information.
