At the start of this season Wayne Sheridan of Old Wesley RFC was elected President of the Leinster Rugby Referees. Wayne, a current active citing commissioner on the PRO 12 and European circuit is a former IRFU National Panel referee and father to Glenn who is currently on the National Panel (albeit in Connacht, but we won’t hold that against him). Gary Conway started the season refereeing at the World Rugby U20 Championship. Dudley Phillips was busy at the Pacific Nations Cup where he touch judged a number of games. Tim Townend who was promoted to the IRFU National Referees panel and Helen O’Reilly who was promoted to the ‘A’ Panel in the summer panel appointments. It was also a busy summer for out kit men – Dan Wallace and Kevin Beggs with the help, as always of Denis Collins. We were delighted to welcome Bank of Ireland on board as our new kit sponsor.

The season kicked off with our annual seminar on August 16th in Old Wesley RFC. 175 plus referees attended the day, one of our largest attendances to date showing the increase popularity in refereeing within Leinster and the excellent work done by the IRFU Recruitment officers and area representatives. David O’Brien conducted the pre-Season presentation and the key points and focus areas for referees this season. They include Rugby Values – Players appealing for decisions, playing acting, diving or displaying un-sportsman like behaviour must be sanctioned / managed. Players exaggerating an offence may have that penalty reversed and simulation should be penalised as a minimum. These facets are something we have seen throughout the rugby world cup. A full list can be found on our website www.arlb.ie

Continue reading 2015/16 Season in Review →

At the recent Annual Dinner of The Association of Referees Leinster Branch (ARLB), a charity game of “Heads & Tails” raised €800 in aid of the Leinster Rugby’s charity partners for 2015/16 Season, namely The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Pictured is Robert McDermott, President Leinster Rugby accepting the donation from Wayne Sheridan, President ARLB.

The ARLB continues to provide the highest standard of officiating possible to rugby clubs in Leinster and importantly, in a safe environment. All Leinster league and cup games are covered, including men’s and women’s adult rugby, youths and schools, and all other official branch matches.

Continue reading Heads / Tails →

U16 NE League Final, Skerries v’s Boyne

A fitting tribute was made last Sunday, 8th May 2016 to Mick Lennon on his retirement as a Leinster Branch Referee after he refereed his last match, the North East U16 Final between Skerries and Boyne. A number of Mick’s North East colleagues attended to pay their own tribute to him in recognition of the many years service he gave to the game of rugby.

After the match, Wayne Sheridan, President of the Referees Leinster Branch acknowledged the contribution made by Mick and thanked him on behalf of the Association – he then made a presentation to Mick. Robert McAuley, President of Skerries RFC added his own words of appreciation.

Thank you Mick for all you have done and we wish you well on your retirement.

The annual dinner of the Leinster Rugby Referees is the highlight of our somewhat limited social calendar and is always a great event. This year it took place in Wanderers FC on Saturday April 16^th  was hosted by Leinster Rugby Referees President Wayne Sheridan of  Old Wesley RFC. A large gathering of provincial presidents, referees, assessor’s guests and friends attended the evening which was organised by the Referees Administration committee under Simon Owens which was attended by IRFU President Martin O’Sullivan and Leinster Rugby President Robert McDermott . Continue reading Leinster Match Program – Article 14 →

All Ireland Schoolgirls 7’s Competition at Aviva Lansdowne Main Pitch (first time for other refs). Names L to R are Wayne Sheridan, Damien Deegan, Ronan Harris, Tony Grehan and Stephen Hewer.