'Men in black' have their say
The first ever book exploring the importance and influence of referees in the GAA is to be launched by GAA President, Sean McCague, at Croke Park tonight.
The book, entitled “Men in Black”, has been written by Jim O’Sullivan - GAA correspondent with the Irish Examiner for more than 30 years.
'Men in Black' features profiles and interviews with 18 top referees covering over 50 years of GAA history.
Director General Liam Mulvihill writes in the book’s foreword “This book will fill a major gap in our GAA literature in highlighting the careers, styles and attributes of a cross section of GAA referees”.
The featured referees include:
Jimmy Cooney, who discusses in detail his error in terminating prematurely the 1998 All-Ireland hurling semi-final replay between Clare and Offaly and the nightmare that followed for himself and his family.
Seamus Aldridge shares his recollections of Mikey Sheehy’s match winning goal against Dublin in the 1978 All-Ireland final.
Pat McEnaney talks about the infamous brawl in 1996 All-Ireland football final replay between Mayo and Meath and the brawl.
Willie Barrett remembers the heated 1998 Munster hurling final replay between Clare and Waterford, which so incensed Ger Loughnane.
Tommy Sugrue recalls the memorable 1998 All-Ireland football final draw between Galway and Kildare.
Dickie Murphy discusses his handling of the 2001 Clare v Tipperary Munster Championship match.
Jim O’Sullivan joined the Irish Examiner in 1962.
After working as a general news and sports reporter for several years years, Jim was appointed as the Irish Examiner’s first full time GAA correspondent.
Jim has been involved with the All Star selection scheme since 1972 and has reported for the Irish
Examiner on tours to the US, Canada, Dubai and Argentina.
He has also covered each of the International Rules Series since 1984.
