Brian Gavin cleared to referee Kilkenny vs. Waterford

[Premier Emperor]

I hear Brian Cody intervened himself to make sure sure Gavin referees Waterford this weekend.

Referee Brian Gavin cleared to referee Sunday's All-Ireland hurling semi-final

Brian Gavin is free to take charge of Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final between Kilkenny and Waterford after an Offaly Hearings Committee cleared him of the charge of allegedly making abusive comments to a referee after a local club game.

Gavin, who has taken charge of three All-Ireland finals, was reported by referee Pauric Pierce for making the alleged comments after an Offaly junior football quarter-final between Clara, the club where Gavin is chairman, and Kilclonfert. Clara lost the game.
Referee Brian Gavin

Offaly's Competition Controls Committee proposed the ban on receipt of the report from Pierce, who is the Offaly Board's Coiste na nOg chairman.

Gavin sought a hearing which was due to take place next week.

But Croke Park intervened and requested that the hearing be brought forward to last night (Thursday) to avoid a distraction for Gavin as he prepared for Sunday's match.

Gavin was determined to clear his name and preserve his reputation and is understood to have vigorously rebuffed the charge at the hearing. 

[AZOffaly]

It's funny. When I heard that Gavin was refereeing Kilkenny, and Kelly was reffing Tipp, I thought the lads picked their favourite refs themselves

He could be suspended for the All Ireland Final though, so if Tipp make it, that would probably make Kelly the hot favourite!

[Milltown Row2]

It's funny. When I heard that Gavin was refereeing Kilkenny, and Kelly was reffing Tipp, I thought the lads picked their favourite refs themselves

He could be suspended for the All Ireland Final though, so if Tipp make it, that would probably make Kelly the hot favourite!

Well I'm bust that day so I'm not available!!

But on a similar note, are the other referees about not good enough to be doing these games? Why have the likes of Kelly and Gavin got to do 3 finals... how is any other referee meant to gain experience if the top games are done by 2 referees ?

[AZOffaly]

Ah I suppose you might get McCallister or someone getting it.

[manfromdelmonte]

I wish all county boards would deal with other issues so quickly