​ 1 minute with #ManInTheMiddle Colm McDonald

1 minute with #ManInTheMiddle 

Name: Colm McDonald

Club: St Galls (McDermott’s)

Favourite ground to referee at: 

I know it’s already been mentioned but Championship days in Ahoghill - the pitch is in perfect condition and the hospitality is second to none.

Favourite county referee past /present:  

I have had the pleasure to meet a few County referees past and present but I was impressed with how Joe McQuillan spoke and I like the way he referees the game - and even he makes mistakes.

Best game you have ever seen: 

All Ireland Hurling semi-final Tipperary v Kilkenny.

Most memorable game you have refereed:  

I have two games. My first all-county football final – last year it was the U16’s played in Ahoghill before the county senior final and this year I refereed U21 Hurling Final in Ballycastle.

Do you think referees train as hard as most club players? 

I think this is a personal approach. I am sure there are some referees who train harder than most club players. It depends on where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Personally I am fitter now than I was when I was playing.  

What made you decide to become a referee? 

I stopped playing due to injury but was still young enough that I wanted to keep active and involved. I help out in a coaching role with my club at juvenile level but I also want to keep pushing and challenging myself.  

Best thing about refereeing? 

Still being involved ‘in the game’ and the amount of people that you get the chance to meet along the way.

Worst thing about refereeing? 

You will not watch a game the same way ever again, not getting the chance to see your own team play and the travelling around the county on your own.  

What attributes do you think are necessary for a referee: 

Fitness – It is easier to give a decision if you are close to play rather than 50 yards away.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a referee? 

Give it your all. You will have good days and bad days but hopefully the good outnumber the bad.

Volunteers of note: 

Sinead Mullan Club secretary. Was speaking to someone the other day who took on the role for a week while she was on holiday and he couldn’t believe the work that was involved. Outside of secretary duties you will see her at all the May day tournaments, juvenile games, senior games along with anything else in and around the club from manning the lane to helping out in the kitchen.

Outside of Antrim, what county team’s results do you look out for? 

Tyrone in football and Claire in Hurling.

Favourite tipple: Pint of bud.

Favourite food: Pasta – eat it with everything.

Favourite film: 

Whenever Braveheart is on I always find myself watching it again – wife hates it.

Favourite holiday destination: 

Was Turkey but in recent years I have given it a miss.

Favourite singer: None. Don’t really like music.

If you could invite three people – alive or dead – to dinner, who would they be? 

John Maguire Snr (McDermotts) – he could talk for hours, Neil Delamere and Mickey Harte.

Best thing about the GAA: 

The people – young and old everyone just wants to keep their club going for the next generation.