Columns - Irish Examiner

Sign in

Brian Gavin

Dublin v Limerick - GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final

S Brian Gavin: Dubs' defeat of Limerick took a lot of refereeing

Liam Gordon put himself in pole position for the All-Ireland final by doing an excellent job.

Sun, 22 Jun, 2025

Limerick v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final

S Brian Gavin: Injury to Munster final ref underlines need to support officials

Thomas Walsh had to come off with cramp in extra time in Limerick on Saturday night.

Mon, 09 Jun, 2025

Paul Walsh and Joe O'Connor are shown black cards 31/5/2025

S Brian Gavin: Cork Kerry clash showed why the two-point free has to be ditched

There were four or five of them converted in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and a lot of them didn’t feel justified.

Mon, 02 Jun, 2025

Dublin v Galway - Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 5

S Brian Gavin: We want manly hurling but dangerous play should result in red cards

Referee Colm Lyons may come in for criticism in the wake of the Dublin-Galway game.

Sun, 25 May, 2025

Limerick v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 4

S Brian Gavin: Dubious penalty for Limerick the only quibble

There are too many developing referees rushing to make decisions when taking their time is the best option.

Sun, 18 May, 2025

Clare v Tipperary - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3

S Brian Gavin: Ref McNally will rue Louth free, Owens on ball in Ennis

James Owens continued his return to form with a good showing in Clare v Tipperary

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Seán O'Donoghue injured after an incident with Darragh McCarthy 27/4/2025

S Brian Gavin: Hurlers getting out of control with digging and diving

What happened in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Walsh Park, Parnell Park and O’Connor Park this weekend was ridiculous

Mon, 28 Apr, 2025

Shane Barrett is shown a red card by Liam Gordon 20/4/2025

S Brian Gavin: Barrett red the right call but Ennis epic almost impossible to referee

Some of what went on off the ball was ridiculous and both Clare and Cork have to take responsibility for a lot of it.

Sun, 20 Apr, 2025

Referee Sean Stack shows Mikey Carey a red card 9/3/2025

S Brian Gavin: This will be a difficult championship for our best hurling referees

The stakes are now so high, a TV review official is probably never more needed.

Thu, 17 Apr, 2025

Armagh v Galway - GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final

S Brian Gavin: Ref Hurson certainly can't be blamed for a bad football final

Hurling officiating is currently a whirlwind, while football is a breeze.

Mon, 29 Jul, 2024