Galway Bay FM’s Hurling Chat Podcast

On Hurling Chat this week...

Niall and Sean focus on the role of the referee.

Top referee Shane Hynes joins the lads to give an insight into being the man in the middle and how enjoyable it can be.

Shane hurled with Liam Mellows for 17 years before moving to Oranmore, where he also hurled before getting involved in management for a period.

The refereeing bug began in 2014, and since then Shane has handled All-Ireland Minor and U20 Finals as well as a host of County Finals.

In relation to being a referee, Shane talks about:

· Does the constant shouting & criticism coming from the sidelines during a game and has it an impact?
· making the right calls and trusting your fellow match officials
· Should referees be allowed to address the Media (on occasion)
· Maintaining the fitness levels required
· The rules – knowing them & implementing them
· Would like to see the use of a simplified version of VAR to ensure that the big decisions in games are right
· Really enjoys being a ref - in charge on some of the biggest days
· How can the GAA attract new referees? No ref, no game. Shane speaks about some of the things that could be done to make becoming a referee a viable option for players retiring from playing