Dickie Murphy

Dickie Murphy, a recently retired inter-county referee discusses his family background in the GAA and his introduction to the game at home, in school and with his club. Murphy recalls he local men who enjoyed a high profile through their involvement with Wexford county teams and the strength of the Raparees-Starlights at underage level when he was growing up. His playing career with club and county teams at underage and adult levels is discussed as is his move into refereeing. Murphy reflects on his progression from refereeing juvenile to adult games and his breakthrough into refereeing at inter-county level. As well as recounting the various All-Ireland finals he has refereed, he reflects on his relationship with his fellow officials, the demands made on referees in terms of time and physical preparation, rule changes, differences between football and hurling, dealing with criticism, the monitoring process, payments to referees, travel etc. He concludes by addressing the decision by the GAA to end his inter-county refereeing career at the age of 50.