Legendary local soccer referee Mickey Flanagan (6th from left) was joined by a host of well-wishers at a photographic exhibition which was launched in Tullamore Library last week to honour his lifetime of service to refereeing, including (l to r): Martin Hughes, Mickey Farrell, Ray McGowan, Les Francis, Tom Dowling, Tony Murrihy and Cllr Sean O' Brien.

Exhibition to honour Tullamore soccer referee continues

Geraldine Grennan

Published: Tue 9 Jan 2024, 11:44 AM

Last updated: Tue 9 Jan 2024, 3:12 PM

The photographic exhibition to honour the work of legendary local soccer referee, Michael Flanagan, will continue throughout the month of January in Tullamore Library.

Known as 'Mickey' to countless generations of children and young people, the hugely popular local figure was joined by a host of well-wishers at the launch of the exhibition in Tullamore Library on Thursday night last, January 4.

The exhibition ‘Michael Flanagan: 50 Years Referee’ features the photography skills of local amateur photography enthusiast and French teacher, Alex Aubin, who compiled five collages of photos to showcase the lifetime of work that Michael Flanagan devoted to refeering.

Also forming part of the unique exhibition is a compilation of material provided by Mickey Flanagan himself which includes articles and accounts of many matches he refereed in the local community.

The Tullamore native, who played football with Knockville and Tullamore Town FC during his youth, was honoured for his lifetime of service to refereeing by the FAI at a function in Tullamore last year. He is widely admired for his very significant contribution to the development of soccer at underage level throughout the Midands.