‘It’s a privilege to be asked’- Laois referee ready for All-Ireland final in Croke Park
Sunday’s decider will be a special occasion with Kevin’s two sons, his brother and his nephew part of his umpiring team
Laois LGFA referee Kevin Phelan, from the St Brigid’s club in Barrowhouse, will be the man in the middle in Croke Park on Sunday for the All-Ireland Intermediate final between Roscommon and Fermanagh.
Phelan, who has been officiating since 2012, has been appointed to the highest-profile game of his career, having previously refereed a Junior All-Ireland final as well as Senior and Intermediate All-Ireland club finals.
Speaking to the Leinster Express/Laois Live, Phelan admitted the phone call was one he wasn't expecting, but described the appointment as a huge privilege.
“I was delighted, and it was unexpected. You know, any time you get a final, it's always unexpected, but it's a privilege. It's a privilege to be asked to do it,” he said.
Sunday's decider at GAA HQ will be Phelan's biggest assignment to date in a refereeing career spanning 14 years.
“I refereed the junior in 2019, but I also refereed the Intermediate Club last year and I refereed the Senior Club in 2021. I've been at it since 2012. It'd be the most high-profile game,” Phelan said.
This year's championship saw LGFA introduce a number of the rule enhancements that have featured in the men's game over the last two seasons, including the three-up, three-back rule, the solo-and-go, the kick-out mark, two-point scores from outside the 40-metre arc and the 50-metre advancement for dissent or for preventing a player from taking a solo-and-go.
Phelan believes the changes have been a major success.
“The new rules have been excellent. We've seen it being played out in the men's and how it benefits men’s football. We had been looking forward to it in the ladies and it has helped. It's made games a lot more exciting and it's sped up the game as well. The ladies have taken to it very well,” he said.
He admitted that policing the three-up, three-back rule is probably the biggest challenge, particularly at club level where referees often work without additional officials. However, Sunday's final will include a fourth official to assist.
“It's always hard to referee at club level when you're on your own, but you still do the best you can with it. The recent Division 1 final there that I did, there was a breach in the very last minute; unfortunately, Timahoe got caught with a breach to send it into extra time. It is an important one as well to be keeping an eye on,” Phelan added.
Phelan also paid tribute to his team of umpires, explaining that Sunday's occasion will be just as special for them as it is for him. The quartet includes his two sons, along with his brother and nephew, making it a real family affair.
“It'll be a great day; we'll enjoy it no doubt. For me, personally, I get more enjoyment out of seeing my own umpires on the day getting to Croke Park. We all want to get to Croke Park; that's the ultimate. My umpires, I bring them all over the country; they get nothing for it. It's sort of a reward for them, more so than me. They do it just for the love of it and they come with me everywhere all over the country. This weekend I'll have my two sons with me for the first time doing an All-Ireland. My brother and nephew will be there as well. A family occasion; delighted to be able to bring them up,” he concluded.
Phelan will not be the only Laois representative in Croke Park on Sunday. The Laois team that captured the 2001 All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship title against Mayo will also be honoured as the jubilee team, marking 25 years since the county's only senior All-Ireland success.