Top referee award for Siobhan O’Mahoney

EVERY year the national executive of the Irish Soccer Referees Society honour one of its 1,400 members for their achievements on and off the field of play. The 2017 Recipient of the award is Kerry’s Siobhan O’Mahoney.

A native of Lixnaw now based in Tralee, she took up refereeing eight years ago following in the footsteps of her husband Seamus who has won many honours in his career brandishing a whistle.

Three years ago she took over the role of secretary of the Kerry branch a position she adorned with distinction. She was also elected to the national executive of the Irish Soccer Referees Society where she stood her ground on many issues she felt strongly about.

On the national executive she gained the respect of the top table and the delegates from the other 27 branches.

Last September she spearheaded a very successful plan to hold a gala social an the Rose Hotel in Tralee to mark the Kerry branches 40th anniversary.

Siobhan is a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award and is the first female to win the accolade which is a tremendous achievement and highlights just how highly she is regarded by all those following the beautiful game.

The award will be presented to Siobhan at a Referee’s Function at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on next Sunday coinciding with the FAI Senior Cup final between Cork City and Dundalk.

The presentation will be made by Paul O’Brien, president of the Irish Soccer Referees Society.

Ray Mathews, who recently began refereeing in Kerry, will also receive an award as he is an additional assistant referee at the final.