*James Owens directs Conor Cleary away from the goal. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
WEXFORD’s James Owens has been confirmed as the referee for Clare’s Munster SHC first round tie with Tipperary.
Owens infamously took charge of the Munster semi-final between the sides last year at TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick where the decision to sin-bin Aidan McCarthy and award Tipperary a penalty emerged as the main talking point from the clash.
During McCarthy’s ten minutes in the bin, Tipperary outscored Clare 2-04 0-04 with Jason Forde and Seamus Callanan raising the green flags during this period which effectively turned the game on its head. He was not appointed to subsequent games in last year’s championship despite referees backing the decision unlike referee mentors and administrators.
Speaking following the game last year, a frustrated Clare manager, Brian Lohan commented, “The boos at the end from the crowd is a reflection of what did happen. We’re just stunned with it”.
Forty six year old Owens took charge of this year’s All-Ireland club hurling final and previously spoke of the impacts of long-COVID. He also played a key role in the dismissal of David McInerney in the 2020 All-Ireland SHC versus Laois with Lohan previously making the observation that it was the only red card awarded in that year’s campaign.
Sixmilebridge native, Sean Stack who is now based in Dublin will officiate the weekend meeting of Waterford and Limerick in what is seen as a major appointment for the son of the legendary ex hurler of the same name.
Niall Quinn of St Joseph’s Miltown was on referee duty on Monday evening taking charge of the Munster U20 football semi-final between Cork and Limerick in Ballyagran.
