1 minute with #ManInTheMiddle Mark O’Neill

1 minute with ‪#‎ManInTheMiddle‬

Name: Mark O’Neill

Club: Glen Rovers, Armoy

Favourite ground to referee at: 

Have to say that Eddie and Rosie always take care of match officials with a half time cup of tea and sandwiches when we officiate at Loughgiel. A subtle hint to some of the other club grounds!

Favourite county referee past /present:  

Aodhán MacSuibhne – He refereed a few games when I played for Queen’s and I loved watching him on live TV matches back in the 2000’s. He always explained his decisions which helped him keep the match under control in my opinion, something which I try to do when reffing games.

Best game you have ever seen:  

Obviously the 1989 semi final victory over Offaly! I remember me and a couple of school mates getting picked up early morning from Rann na Feirste in the Donegal Gaeltacht for the day trip to Dublin, the match, celebrations and then having to go back the next day to ‘school’!!

Most memorable game you have refereed:

Last year’s Senior County Semi Final between Loughgiel and Cushendall. I’ll remember it for the tight encounter it was where 2 good teams cancelled each other out but still put on a great determined display of hurling. There are positive and negative memories to take from it, not least post match publicity!!

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

It’s difficult to say as we have obviously differing standards of refs and players but to referee at a high standard we need to be extremely fit and need to continuously train to keep that level of fitness. I can say from my point of view I am probably fitter now than I was as a player in terms of aerobic capacity. With refereeing you don’t have the physicality of the game so it’s a different type of training.

What made you decide to become a referee?  

Initially our club referee was retiring so I ‘volunteered’ for this but as I got experience I started to enjoy it for the fact that I was able to stay involved and give back to the organization.

Best thing about refereeing? 

The respect from a majority of the players and officials both during and after games. We all know the physicality of the sport means it can get heated (I am a player and fan myself so understand) but most of the time it’s over when the final whistle goes. It also keeps me fit and involved in the GAA as my playing days are numbered (some may say they’re well and truly over!)

Worst thing about refereeing?  

The abuse from some officials and fans, especially after games and sometimes continuing in the media. We obviously try to do our best and don’t intentionally go out there to make mistakes or favour one team over another. Any ref that says he doesn’t make a mistake during a game is a liar but we don’t need to hear every decision we make challenged offensively.

What attributes do you think are necessary for a referee: 

Aerobic fitness, an excellent knowledge of the playing rules of the game. A referee also needs to have respect for the players. If we expect respect we also need to treat players and officials with the same respect. Good communication skills are essential to get the message across, whether it be explaining a decision or communicating with a player in relation to discipline. Oh, and thick skin!!

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

I’d encourage them for sure. At all age groups as well. Younger guys who may decide they don’t want to play but still want to be involved in the game and others, like myself, who played the game all their life and still want to be involved. It’s a rewarding experience when you referee a game and know you have contributed to an enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Volunteers of note: 

My umpires over the years and currently, Donal Cassley, Benny O’Kane, Frankie McBride, Noel O’Neill (my dad), Ding Gillan, Sean McGurk, Ollie Devlin,Conor Devlin, George O’Kane Emmet Feeney Arty Brennan. Hector and Joe who always assist when I'm in Ballymena. Without these guys it’s much more difficult to see everything that goes on in a game and their assistance is very much appreciated. 

Outside of Antrim, what county team’s results do you look out for? I follow the senior All-Ireland hurling championship and always enjoy my weekend away each year for the final where I bump into many sideline refs!! I’ve always like to see Galway do well.

Favourite tipple: would never say no to a Morgan and Coke

Favourite food: Schteak and Shpuds!

Favourite film: Anything Mafia related – probably Goodfellas.

Favourite holiday destination: Australia

Favourite singer: Kid Rock

If you could invite three people – alive or dead – to dinner, who would they be? Paul McGrath, DJ Carey, Nelson Mandela

Best thing about the GAA:  The togetherness and community. The amount of people you meet through playing the different grades, university, and on to refereeing.