Cusack: Referee Standards Hurling’s Big Problem
Dónal Óg Cusack didn’t hold back on The Sunday Game, urging the GAA to step up and show true leadership when it comes to improving referee standards. “Cusack: Referee Standards Hurling’s Big Problem” was his main message after a weekend of inconsistent officiating in the provincial championships. According to the former Cork goalkeeper, the quality of hurling has never been better but the same can’t be said for the standard of refereeing.
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A Game Thriving but Let Down by Inconsistencies
Cusack made it clear that while everyone respects the role of referees—especially at club level where matches simply can’t happen without them—the current level of officiating just isn’t up to scratch. He asked whether it’s finally time for the GAA to consider introducing technology to help referees make better calls. Instead of obsessing over minor infractions like fast handpasses, Cusack believes the GAA needs to focus on real issues—like the tackle, which has long been a grey area in the sport.
Penalty Confusion Sparks Frustration
One major flashpoint discussed on the show was referee Johnny Murphy’s decision not to award a penalty after Cork’s Mark Coleman appeared to deny Waterford’s Stephen Bennett a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Instead, Waterford only got a free, and Coleman didn’t even receive a yellow card. Cusack and former Tipperary boss Liam Sheedy questioned this call, especially given how rarely the black card rule—meant to punish cynical fouls—is enforced.
Rules Exist, But Are They Being Applied?
Sheedy noted that you might see the black card used early in the season, but come championship time, it disappears. Cusack echoed that frustration, saying the rule was a good one when introduced because it cracked down on deliberate fouls that stopped certain goals. However, for some unknown reason, referees have stopped applying it—even in situations where it clearly fits.
Umpires Also Under the Microscope
The panel didn’t stop at referees. They pointed out that at least three red cards were missed in Galway’s recent win over Dublin. Cusack was stunned that Galway goalkeeper Darach Fahy wasn’t punished for striking AJ Murphy off the ball. He questioned why the umpires didn’t alert referee Colm Lyons, emphasizing that umpires have a duty to speak up. Incidents like Daithi Burke’s risky shoulder and Conor Donohue’s wild swing at John Fleming’s neck were serious fouls that could’ve caused real harm. Cusack’s final words summed it up: “That kind of hit would’ve belonged in the Bastille.”
