Pat Collins

Pat Collins discusses his lifelong contribution to the GAA. He explains how he represented his native county of Meath in both football and hurling at minor and senior level before moving to Westmeath to work in St. Loman's Hospital. He outlines his playing career in his adopted county and describes his career refereeing football matches. He also considers the challenges of refereeing All-Ireland finals and International Rules games and discusses coverage of his performances in the media. In addition, Pat recalls his various other roles within the GAA, including managing a patients' team in St. Loman's Hospital, acting as selector for Westmeath in 2004 when Westmeath won the Leinster Final, and his 32-year tenure as county secretary. Finally, he reflects on the changes he has witnessed both in refereeing and within the organisation as a whole.