Offaly GAA honour Martin Walsh for 50 years of service

Offaly GAA chairman Tom Parlon made a presentation to Martin Walsh, at last Sunday's senior hurling final, in recognition of his contribution to refereeing in Offaly for almost 50 years.

Forty years ago on October 13th, 1985, Martin refereed his first senior hurling final, when Kinnitty defeated Seir Kieran. Eleven years later, also on October 13th, Martin refereed his second senior decider, this time Seir Kieran accounted for St Rynagh’s to win back to back titles. No doubt the prominence of Birr during the late 1990s and 2000s prevented Martin from adding to his list of senior finals.

In all Martin was the man in the middle for seven intermediate, five junior 'A', five U21 and four minor 'A' hurling finals, as well as numerous finals in all other grades of hurling.

His officiating isn’t just confined to hurling. On the football front, Martin refereed the intermediate final in 2008, the junior 'B' final in 2006 and eight junior 'C' finals, while he was in charge of the whistle for a number of underage football finals. Martin has also give valuable service to schools both at Cumann na mBunscol and at second level during his refereeing career.

In his youth Martin was a playing member of Na Piarsaigh GAA club (now Kilcormac/Killoughey) and represented Offaly in both hurling and football at minor level. At adult level he played both hurling and football for Birr. He captained the club to win a junior football title, and won junior titles at 'A', 'B' and 'C' level.

Birr GAA offered its support in a social media post. "A wonderful and well deserved recognition. All in Birr GAA are proud to see Martin 'The Dinger' Walsh honoured for his incredible 50 years of service to refereeing across Offaly," the club posted online.