McCarthy blows for time as ref observer

A MAN who has given over half a century of dedicated service to the beautiful game in the county and beyond is about to blow the final whistle on his distinguished role as an FAI Referee’s Observer, with the impending retirement of James McCarthy who has held his present post for 31 years.

McCarthy announced his decision at a recent meeting of the Kerry Branch of the ISRS and he will step down on March 25.

A native of Lyreacrompane who now lives in Abbeyfeale, he feels the time is now right to take leave of a job he really enjoyed.

James was appointed Kerry’s first referee’s observer in 1989 and went on to win the admiration of referees and everyone he came across in his footballing path.

His involvement in the game goes back to 1967 when he began as a player in County Mayo playing with the Westport United Youths team. In 1971 he took up employment in Castleisland and he was an amateur referee within the league until 1973 when he moved back to Connacht to work in Roscommon town.

Shortly after moving to the West coast he went to the AGM of the Roscommon District League and was elected Hon Secretary, a position he held until 1978, and he was also fixtures secretary and PRO until 1983. He was a member of the Connacht FA and FAI Council for a number of years also.

In 1983 he returned back to Kerry and joined the Kerry Branch of the ISRS where he has played a key role in the steady rise of the standard of refereeing in the county.

As Jim calls full time on his career he urges all referees to become members of the Society and asks more retired players to become referees.

Jim’s post will be filled by former Kerry and League of Ireland referee Kevin O’Regan at the end of March.

Jim’s huge contribution to refereeing was recognised recently when he was presented with an Award of Merit by the Irish Soccer Referee’s Society.

Everyone involved in the game around the county send good wishes to James on his up coming retirement and know that he will be involved in the game in some capacity in the years ahead even if it is only on the sideline watching matches.