Local referee oversees Middle Eastern games
KILRUSH MAN JAMES OWENS IN QATAR SERIES
Referee James Owens (right) in the middle of a game at the Middle East League recently.
WHILE GAELIC Games are forever thriving in Ireland many might not be aware of their growth in the Middle East, and well-known County Wexford referee James Owens played an integral part in the recent Middle East League when he acted as referee for the Qatar round of games.
Already a familiar face in GAA circles and a regular referee at Croke Park, the Kilrush man was honoured to be invited to officiate at the league which took place in January.
Teams from Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Bahrain/Saudi Arabia battled it out in a tough stage of the league which took place in Doha, Qatar, and saw the home team emerge victorious.
Known as a top class referee on home soil, James was delighted to have been nominated by the Leinster Council to make the trip and oversee the refereeing at this up and coming competition.
Following a successful league round, Qatar GAA Chairman Barry O'Sullivan paid tribute to the Wexford man.
' To say James's attendance enhanced our games would be a major understatement. He is a top official who made the whole event go off without a single controversy on the field. The reason for his success was not only his experience but the fact that he was neutral meaning that he gave the whole event credibility,' he said.
James said he was delighted to report that he didn't have to issue a single red card on the pitch.
' The games were very competitive at times, especially with the stronger teams. The standard was very good and in some instances all my experience as a referee was called into action but a few yellow cards and strong words sorted it out. The day of the matches it was like being at your local pitch where people were so welcoming and friendly. I received a very warm welcome in Qatar which was greatly appreciated.'
- DEBORAH COLEMAN
