*Wayne King with his former umpire Brian Reilly. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography.
FORMER CLARE referee, Wayne King is to take charge of his first Cork Premier Senior Hurling Championship final.
King who lived in Clare from 2007 to 2021 and was attached to the St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield club returned to his native county where he has continued to referee games. He is now attached to the Charleville/Ballinteer club.
On Sunday, he will be the man in the middle for the eagerly awaited meeting of St Finbarr’s and Glen Rovers. It is the first time since 1988 that the two city sides face off in Cork hurling’s showpiece event.
Wayne was back in Clare on Sunday as a spectator for Inagh/Kilnamona’s historic Clare SHC victory against Kilmaley.
During his time as a dual referee in Clare, Wayne’s highlights included the 2018 Clare SHC final when Ballyea won their second title overcoming Cratloe 1-20 1-14 in front of an attendance of 7,040.
His last game in the county was the U21A hurling final of 2021 when Corofin/Ruan defeated Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-18 0-14.
Adding extra Clare interest to the Cork county final is the fact that the winner will face recently crowned Canon Hamilton holders Inagh/Kilnamona in the Munster club quarter-final on November 1st at a Cork venue.
Making the trip Leeside this weekend will be Inagh/Kilnamona manager Eugene Cullinan and members of his management team.
