A very Happy Christmas to all of our referees at ARCB who give up their valuable time week in – week out to contribute to the continuing success of the game of rugby. Thank you one and all. Pink is definitely our colour as you can see from this selection of images of some of our most photogenic referees.

It was a great honour for the ARCB to have two of our finest in Andy Fogarty and John Martin perform the roles of 5th and 6th Officials at the recent Ireland v South Africa clash in the Autumn Internationals Series. Below is a short report from John on his duties for the day and his experience:

“I had the honour of being 6^th Official at the Ireland vs South Africa International on Sat 5^th November last.  Andy Fogarty was also involved as 5^th.  So, first caps for us both!

        My own role was mainly with paperwork, and acting as assistant to Paul Haycock as 4^th in after-match form filling.  One primary job, between us 4,5 & 6 is to time Sin bins, i.e. 10mins off stadium clock.  HIA, Head injury Assessments are 12 minutes normal time.

    The  ‘Tick box’ on the sub card, be it Injury, Tactical, Blood is important.  It is a behind the scenes support role. We would link with the TV floor manager when replacements come on, for TV graphic and commentator data.

    Andy had to operate the digital display for the 1^st half individual replacements. It is not practical for multiple substitutions. I had Nika’s spare whistle in my pocket, in case there was a malfunction.

   Looking back, the experience I got as 5^th official in the Sportsground several years back was a big help. You can’t be a spectator or get emotionally involved. You have to keep your wits about you and stay switched on.

      Overall, it was a great experience to be involved in an extremely competitive International involving the #1 ranked team versus the World Champions.”

                                                                          John J. Martin,
                                                                          Secretary,
                                                                          ARCB

A collection of images here from around the province showing some of our referees in action this season so far. We are a busy bunch!

In more great news our own Shane Gaughan and Shane Tuohy recently completed their first AIL matches in charge. Shane Gaughan was in Skerries for his match and Shane Tuohy was in Tullamore. The very best of luck to both in their first season at this high level from all at ARCB.

Congratulations to our very own Andy Fogarty who recently took on the duties of AR2 at at his first URC appointment in the match between Leinster and Benetton. He is pictured here on the left of image with Jaco Peyper (centre) and Paul Haycock (AR1; right). Far from just the one appointment Andy is out again this weekend as an AR at Ulster v Ospreys. Go well Andy from all at a proud ARCB!

Preseason training is in full swing and nearing its completion. The final two sessions are Tuesday 23rd and Tuesday 30th August at 7pm, Tuam RFC. Thanks to Tuam RFC for facilitating and to Ann Caffrey for putting us through our paces.

Oh what a night that followed a fantastic day of golfing (controversial result for some) and some daredevil ziplining. The Station House Hotel in Clifden treated us to a delicious meal in fabulous surroundings on Saturday last. The night was enjoyed by over 60 guests and we were thoroughly entertained by our MC for the night John O’Boyle. John shared many amusing anecdotes and introduced ARCB President Charlie Bourke who provided us with some anecdotes of his own while performing his role as President with aplomb. Many thanks to our guest speaker for the night, Mossy Moran, and to Des Kavanagh for providing some inspiring words to ARCB members on behalf of the IRFU.

A reminder of our Members Meeting (trial members also welcome!) to be held next Thursday 24th February, 7:30 pm, at the Connacht Hotel in person! It will be fantastic to see some of the trial members in the image in the post below graduating to Level 1 referees. Looking forward to a good turnout and seeing you all there!

Well done to all attendees at our recent new referees course at the Connacht Hotel in Galway. The course was held over two Mondays nights in November. We look forward to seeing attendees out on the touchlines very soon and then onto the pitch with a whistle in hand shortly after! Thank you to all who gave of their time to attend and to Peter Fitzgibbon for hosting.