Rob Hennessy to Referee Euro U-19 Final Between Spain and the Netherlands
Rob Hennessy named referee for Euro Under-19 final as he gets set to officiate the much-anticipated championship clash between Spain and the Netherlands on Thursday night at 8pm. The Irish referee has been a standout performer throughout the tournament and his consistent performances have earned him the responsibility of managing the grand finale. Hennessy, who is a League of Ireland official, has already refereed both of the finalists earlier in the competition. He was in charge when Spain secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Romania last week and again when the Netherlands overcame England in a thrilling 4-2 match last Friday.
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Consistent Performances Throughout the Tournament
Rob Hennessy’s steady and confident officiating has not gone unnoticed by UEFA. In addition to refereeing group stage matches, he also played a key role in the knockout rounds, serving as the fourth official during Spain’s nail-biting 6-5 semi-final win against Germany on Monday night. His appointments to these high-pressure games speak volumes about the trust UEFA places in his abilities and professionalism.
Irish Team Represented in Officiating Roles
Hennessy won’t be alone when he steps onto the pitch at the Giulesti Stadium in Bucharest. He will be assisted by fellow Irishman Christopher Campbell, further highlighting the growing reputation of Irish referees on the international stage. The third match official, running the other line, will be Austria’s Michael Obritzberger. This diverse officiating crew brings together top referees from across Europe to ensure fair play in what promises to be an intense final.
Recognition for Irish Refereeing Pathways
Eddie Foley, the FAI’s League of Ireland referee manager, praised the appointments, stating, “It’s fantastic to see Irish officials operating at the highest levels of European football.” He added that the involvement of Rob and Christopher in this high-profile final reflects the effective development system in place for referees in Ireland, one that allows them to progress from grassroots matches through the League of Ireland and ultimately to the international scene. Their selection underscores the opportunities available for talented officials within Irish football.
