Referee abuse seems to be a bigger problem within men’s GAA, according to Dublin Camogie Captain Aisling Maher. 

A video has circulated online of a Tullamore fan shoving referee Barry Tiernan to the ground at a match against Summerhill. 

The behaviour has been condemned by Offaly GAA Chairman Michael Duignan as “absolutely disgraceful”. 

Ms Maher told The Hard Shoulder harassment is becoming “less rare”. 

“There are more games being streamed so we’re seeing it more frequently, but it’s far too frequent.” 

She said anyone who sees how Mr Tiernan was treated will think twice before becoming a referee themselves. 

“It’s a very difficult job to try and convince young guys and young girls to get involved and stay involved with refereeing,” she said. 

“The help and support for them on the pitch is so minimal. 

“It’s impossible to make the right decision 100% of the time, and then we’re seeing repercussions like that for referees when they have a call to make, or mistakes are made.” 

No matter what happens, this is unacceptable from a Tullamore fan… pic.twitter.com/8WCGQi8DZp

— The GAA Room (@TheGAARoom) October 22, 2023

Ms Maher said most people have understandably gotten mad at a referee for decisions made during a match. 

“But there's a huge difference between emotionally reacting in a moment to a decision that's made on the pitch and a whole world of a difference to get to the point of actually putting your hands on somebody,” she said. 

“Not only is there time for that person to think about what they’re doing, there’s time for somebody else to intervene and to physically stop them before they get anywhere near the referee. 

Women's GAA

She said she has never seen similar abusive behaviour at women’s GAA matches, although it could be because women’s GAA receives less coverage. 

“Any game that I've ever been at or attended within the female section of GAA games, I've never seen anything to that extent,” she said. 

“There is an argument there to be looked at as to whether it is something that's more prevalent in the men’s game. 

“But most importantly, how can we counteract this?” 

Referee at match. Image: George Sweeney / Alamy Stock Photo

Former referee Rory Hickey said he has spoken to GAA President-elect Jarlath Burns about discipline during matches. 

“He's got to try and rewrite the disciplinary rules for the GAA,” he said. 

“Get it through Congress, get it done and the three years he’s there. 

“That guy should receive a lifetime ban, he really, really should – he should be let into no GAA grounds ever again.” 

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