The ceremony was held to credit referees' fantastic contribution to sport in Ireland as the President praised their commitment and dedication to their various sports.
29 representatives from the Irish football referee community attended as the President spoke out against the ongoing challenge of abuse towards match officials.
The FAI launched the #NoRefNoGame initiative in August 2022 which saw a range of sanctions introduced designed to protect the referee. These new sanctions have helped to bring respect back to the forefront of how referees are viewed and treated by all involved in the game.
The referee representatives who attended the ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin last week is below.
AFL
Sarah Dyas
AUL Dublin
John Watson
Ryan Flood
DDSL
Eoin Faga
Jack Nolan
Krzysztof Michura
Kilkenny & District Soccer League
Eoin Walsh
League of Ireland
Michelle O'Neill
Leinster Senior League
John McCarthy
Kate O Brien
Sahin Yasar
NDSL
Brian Cleary
Nancy Foley
Samir Brihi
Teresa Coughlan
Observers
Terry McParland
Danny Smith
George Young
Owen White
Pat Shorthall
Paula Brady
School of Excellence
Niall McLoughlin
Darragh White
John Hanney
FAI Staff
Ian Stokes
Lucas Keating
Rob Hennessy
UCFL
Alan Singleton
Wicklow Schoolboys League
Andy Kavanagh
