Longford secretary Peter O'Reilly believes that the issue of indiscipline must be tackled in 2018.

O'Reilly points to the level of abuse that match officials received during the year which has increased on previous years.

Writing in his speech to the annual convention, which is printed in this week's edition of the Longford Leader, O'Reilly stressed that the matter has to be dealt with.

"In one of my roles as secretary of Coiste Cheannais na gComortaisi Longfoirt (Longford CCC), I have noticed a significant rise in red card offences and the number of referee reports now containing addendums referencing unsavoury incidents on the sideline, the verbal abuse of match officials by non-players and of late the rising number of incidents of racial abuse," writes O'Reilly.

"The number of 'free for alls' are also rising and unfortunately a number of incidents have been reported to An Garda Siochana. I suppose our lack of success in recruitment of new referees can, in part, be attributed on all of the above.

"It is safe to say from my viewing of the content of referees that at least half the incidents reported would not happen if due diligence by clubs when appointing team managements were exercised. Clubs then need to roll out the code of behaviour and the 'Give Respect Get Respect' initiatives."

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