Maggie Farrelly hoping to see more female referees at the top level

GAA referee Maggie Farrelly would be more than happy to shake off the attention that comes with being the sole female inter-county referee in the men's game if it meant more women were getting involved at the top level.

The Cavan whistler continues to break the ceiling and last year became the first woman to referee a men’s National League game as Leitrim hosted London.

Farrelly remains ambitious, hoping to break into the championship panel before someday taking charge of an All-Ireland final. She also hopes that by that stage other women will have established themselves at the top of the officiating game.

"As we mark the SuperValu campaign of diversity and inclusion, I’m the only one [woman] at this level in this current moment in time.

"Who knows? In five or 10 years that possibly will be extended and you’ll see a lot more women actually refereeing.

"We also see the recruitment drive that happening within clubs and at county level. Counties want to get more referees involved, particularly younger referees.

"Our volunteers who are refereeing are at an age of 50, 60, maybe 70 years plus. With that comes a demand of actually referring a number of games, particularly on a Saturday or Sunday when you might have to referee maybe two or three games and that can be physically demanding.

"I think within the GAA there is strives made to recruit new volunteers in as referees and officials, but it’s very challenging, there’s no question about that."

Farrelly has said that sexist remarks have been few and far between as she ascended through the ranks, and that respect has been the prevailing experience.

"From my early experiences refereeing within Cavan, there weren’t too many remarks made to be honest.

"In my journey through provincial