RYAN O’DWYER WANTS referees to use their ‘common sense’ in this year’s hurling championship.
The Dublin hurler was controversially sent off in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final loss to Cork, but he says he is confident that referees are doing their best to make the right calls.
“I’ve no problem with refereeing,” he says. “Everyone goes out to make the right call.
“I suppose dangerous use of the hurley, yes red card, reckless use — depending on the severity yes. But sometimes you know you might go to flick a ball and someone might jump in the way.
“I think if referees just ref with common sense, and I’m sure they’ve all played the game too and they’ve all been around the game enough to know the difference between someone that’s going to go in and ‘do you’ or go in and just made an honest mistake.”
Dublin were one point ahead before O’Dwyer was shown a second yellow card against Cork — a decision which had a huge impact on the outcome of the game and Dublin’s season.
“I think [we need] refereeing with the head and I think the majority of referees out there are able to do that.”
The former Tipperary hurler, now in his third year with the Dublin panel, feels that different referees are interpreting the rules differently.
It’s something which could become a problem this year as the GAA are promising to clamp down on any tackles around the ‘helmet area.’
“We’re around long enough now and referees are around long enough.
“Control the controllables and look after yourselves and make sure you’re not in the position of carrying a yellow or red card and just look after yourself.”
The Dublin attacker though seems to have gotten over last year’s disappointment, and he’s not holding any grudges over the decision which ended his season.
“Well it was unlucky but sure these things happen, a split decision out there.
Everyone talks about hurling being the fastest field sport in the world and it is very difficult for referees to make calls.
“Given the situation he had to make a split second call. He probably made the right decision. Looking back on it, it’s open to interpretation.”
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Ryan O’Dwyer was speaking at the launch of ‘Fields Of Fire’ by journalist Damian Lawlor. See here for further details.
