1 minute with: #ManInTheMiddle Karol Doherty

22nd August 2016

Name: Karol Doherty

Club: St Mary's Rasharkin

Favourite ground to referee at:

A lot of great grounds within our county, but Ahoghill has to be best at present. A mention must go to the excellent new facilities at the Crickey which I refereed at last week, brilliant for the North Belfast Gaels.

Favourite county referee past /present:
Past - Pat McEneaney, he just oozed class, gained respect & was always in control of the game.

Present - David Coldrick is the best about at present.

Best game you have ever seen:

The 4 games between Meath & Dublin in 1991, are up there with the best. A lot has changed since then.

Most memorable game you have refereed:

South West Antrim U16 league final in 2013 in Moneyglass, Glenavy beat Aghagallon by a point after extra time, in a high scoring game. Great advert for underage football.

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

With referees it's a personal thing & depends on each individual. You could run the guts of 10k in a senior game, so you do need to get out between games to keep yourself ticking over. Over the winter you must keep active and maintain a good standard of fitness also. Like players your social life revolves around games too.

What made you decide to become a referee?

Owen Quinn, who was an excellent referee, left for Australia & our club needed a football referee. After finishing playing I wanted to help my club out. Also I would have been one who used to complain about the standard of refereeing, so I thought no point complaining & decided to give it a go.

Best thing about refereeing?

Getting to travel around the county & now Ulster, meeting all the great Gaels (players, managers, club people, etc) who love our games & who have given up so much time to make their clubs what they are.

Worst thing about refereeing?

Not getting to watch your own club on a regular basis, as you are usually out on duty on the same nights.

What attributes do you think are necessary for a referee:

You need to have a reasonable standard of fitness, ability to remain calm, be fair, honest and give respect.

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

There are definitely a lot of positives involved. The people you meet and grounds you visit. It is one way of representing your club and possibly county with distinction.

Volunteers of note:

A lot of good people involved at county, divisional board & club level throughout our county, too many to mention.

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

Always followed Meath in the younger days, when they had the likes of Martin O'Connell, Mick Lyons, etc.

Favourite tipple: Carlsberg

Favourite food: I'm not fussy lol

Favourite film: Happy Gilmore

Favourite holiday destination: Bit of a home bird, Killarney is great to visit.

Favourite singer: Whatever is on the radio.

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

Bomber Liston, Eric Cantona & Peter Kay.

Best thing about the GAA:

Aside from providing games for everyone - In the face of adversity we show everyone what we do best, pull together - regardless of rivalry on the field.

I attended The charity big breakfast last weekend in Portglenone, unbelievable support for the Carey family. This is just one such example.

We are the best amateur sporting organisation in the world!