THE GAA HAVE confirmed Barry Kelly will referee next month’s All-Ireland senior hurling final on September 7th.
The Westmeath man will take charge of the Kilkenny v Tipperary contest, while Fergal Horgan of Tipperary will officiate in the minor game between Kilkenny v Limerick.
This will be Barry Kelly’s fourth senior assignment, having previously taken charge of the 2012 final between Kilkenny and Galway, 2008 final between Kilkenny and Waterford and 2006 final between Kilkenny and Cork.
The St. Oliver Plunkett’s clubman has also refereed the All-Ireland Minor Final in 2000, All-Ireland Under 21 final in 2004, All-Ireland Senior Club final 2014 & 2004, three Leinster Finals, one Munster Final and one Ulster Final.
His umpires on the day will be Séamus O’Brien, Michael Coyle (both St. Oliver Plunkett’s), Paddy Walsh (Clonkill) and Paul Reville (Turin). Offaly’s Brian Gavin will be the standby referee. The other linesman is Colm Lyons (Cork) and the sideline official will be Cathal McAllister (Cork).
Minor
Fergal Horgan, who will be officiating the minor match, is a member of the Knockavilla Kickhams club.
This year Fergal has refereed the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Final, the Allianz Hurling League Div 2A Final as well as the recent Munster U21 final between Clare and Cork. He has taken charge of Tipperary county finals at all levels, one Munster minor final and one Munster junior club final.
Fergal also played for Tipperary, winning an All-Ireland minor medal in 1996 playing in goals when his county defeated Galway. He won a second Munster minor medal in 1997.
His umpires on the day will be David Heelan, Alan Horgan, Paul Ryan and John Hadnett (all Knockavilla Kickhams).Wicklow’s John Keenan will be the standby referee, the other linesman is Eamonn Hassan (Derry) and the sideline official will be James Clarke (Cavan).
