This #WomenInSportWeek, we’re shining a spotlight on Armagh GAA referee Denise McDonald.
Officiating across GAA and LGFA, Denise’s commitment and leadership on the pitch highlight the vital role referees play in our games.
What’s your club?
Clann Éireann GAC Lurgan, Co Armagh.
How long have you been refereeing?
I started when I was 18 years old. It will be 31 years this year.
What made you want to become a referee?
I was playing both camogie and ladies gaelic football at the time as well as coaching, and both codes were asking if anyone was interested in refereeing. So me being me, I went for it.
How did you take the first step into becoming a referee?
I just went for it for the love of the game and really enjoyed it.
What levels / codes do you officiate in?
All ages in both GAA & LGFA
Was it a challenging process to become a referee?
No, I tend to throw myself into anything. I love a challenge!
What do you enjoy most about refereeing?
I love all aspects. Being still involved after playing is great. You get right up close to first hand action. There is also the friendships that you make too.
What are the biggest challenges?
To maintain the physical and mental fitness needed for the game now, and being consistent.
How do you manage difficult situations or deal with criticism as a referee?
Fingers crossed I haven’t come across this when I’m refereeing, but if any I would deal with it well, I think.
How did you handle the rule changes which have come into our game?
You must adapt. I think I have handled it well. I do love some of the new changes.
How do you prepare physically and mentally for refereeing?
There is a level of fitness you need. It can be challenging when combing work and home life. I try to get myself as fit as I can for the games. Fuel and hydrate well and being mentally in the zone before games.
Have you ever made a mistake in a game and how did you learn from it?
Thankfully I don’t think I’ve made any mistakes. I may have, we are all human and you can make a mistake.
Is there any mentoring provided from your county board to assist you in your refereeing role?
We have our annual referee refreshers and other meetings during the year if needed. There is always support available from other referees and our referees committee.
Are there opportunities for you to progress to become an inter county referee.
Not in the GAA, as there is an age limit on this for me now. I did referee in Ulster LGFA and still involved with Ulster Ladies Football.
Would you like to become an inter county referee?
I would have only for the age! I would like to help as line official or fourth official if opportunity came up in GAA
Does your county board provide any information on health and wellbeing for referees
Yes, we have had meetings and information e-mailed on any information and support we need, and other things like heart screening too.
Do you receive feedback on your performance after games
Yes, we are assessed at various games through the season.
Are there differences in communication styles between GAA and LGFA and refereeing with the players?
No, I don’t see a difference. I explain my decision to the players and make sure to talk to the players throughout the game.
Do coaches have knowledge of the rules difference between men and women’s codes
I don’t think any of the coaches know the correct rules of both GAA & LGFA, but I do think it is improving though.
Do you think the role of a referee important?
Absolutely. Without referees there would be no games.
What advice would you give someone who wants to get involved in refereeing?
Be confident and go for it. It is rewarding.
Do you have any long-term goals in officiating?
At the minute I have no intention of hanging the boots up yet. I want to keep going.
Are you involved in any other roles in the club?
Not at the minute. I coached for 16 years with my club which I loved, seeing the progression of players from a young age to senior level. I have also have been child protection officer years in the past. Just have the whistle now.
What is your greatest memory in Gaelic games?
I have that many great memories, playing for my club and county and for Ulster in Camogie. Being captain for my county, I was captain when I won my first ever championship. I have an All Ireland medal for camogie in 1994 with Armagh, The All-Ireland 2001 was a cracker. My three kids still being so successful in their gaelic playing careers, but the most special one was the 2021 Armagh Championship Final Clann Eireann V Crossmaglen. We were behind and my son Ruairi scored an absolute clinker of a goal to
change the game around. The atmosphere in the Box-It Athletic Grounds was electric. Proud mum. Our 1stchampionsip in over 50 years.
By Michael Devlin Thu 5th Mar
