During the launch of the Meath Go Games 2014 at St.Patricks Gaa we had the official presentation of our clubs new "Reiteoir" club referees. St.Patricks have the pleasure of having Conor Tully, Michael McNulty, Andrew Tully & Andrew Lenihan represent their club as Reiteoir for 2014. We thank all the lads and wish them the very best of luck from all at St.Patricks Gaa.

L/R Juvenile chairman David Weldon, Conor Tully, Michael McNulty, Andrew Tully & Senior Club chairman Anto Woods.

During an interview with the Tully brothers PRO of St.Patricks Gaa Gareth McDonnell caught up with both lads in a short interview. Both Andrew & Conor are members of our Minor, U21's & Junior teams.

PRO : How did the course go ?

A.T : I found the course very interesting, as i used to think that referees were just picked up on the way to a game on the side of the street.  But now after participating in the course myself i realize the hard work and committment which its takes to be a referee.  Donal Smith was our mentor and he tried to make the course nights enjoyable for us all. He even tried acting out some of the rules to get his point across.

C.T : To me I found the course very interesting and very good. On the first day of the course i was nervous to see what the course initiated over the weeks ahead. I listenened very carefully to what the mentors had to say. Donal Smith was head mentor and he tried to make the course as enjoyable as he could.

PRO : What are your experiences of games ?

A.T : You cant beat game time no matter if your a footballer or a referee.  Game time gives you the experience and the know how for the big games that we will face in our career. You get a feel for the pitch, you locate your position for each play. Then it becomes second nature just like playing.

C.T : My experiences of the games that I have refereed is very good. I'm happy to say I enjoyed every minute and thought it gave me so much experience on how to Referee and how I could get the best out of it. I like to think that i can be a fair & lenient referee that likes to let the game flow as much as possible.  As a player and a ref i get to see both sides of the game.

PRO : What are your views as a Referee & a player ?

A.T : Refereeing sometimes is hard and demanding some may say its a thankless job but i love it.  I still get nervous as i would if i was taking to the field myself. I love getting a chance to see the new talent come through the ranks.  It gave me an insight into how hard it actually is to be a Gaelic referee. As a young player myself even though i'm a referee i still try with a few decissions if i can to test the more experienced referees because of players keeping them on their toes.  Finally I would like to thank the Meath gaa, St.Patricks Gaa, Donal Smith,  Liam O'Brien, Hugo Whoriskey and Johnny Purfield for all their advice and support that they have shown & given me.

C.T : Refereeing sometimes is hard and been a player is too. It is demanding hobby. Some may say its a difficult job that at times can be taken for granted with the lack of praise & at times the performance of the  ref in the public eye however i love it and i love what i do. Honestly i still get nervous as i would if i was playing in a game. I'm thankfull now that i'm a ref that i can see the game from all angles not just from a ref point of view but also as a player. In refereeing you do get to see the fantastic players that are the stars of the future coming through the ranks of their clubs.

As like my brother i also wish to thank those that he has named, there are so many people out there that want you to do good and so many to mention i'm greatful for their continious support, help and direction that they have given me in my refereeing career so far.

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