The case for putting microphones on GAA referees

Who would benefit from referees giving post-match interviews? Would it be an opportunity for fans to better understand the decisions made on the pitch? Could it offset some of the anger that builds in the wake of supposedly controversial decisions?

Referees rarely, if ever, give post-match interviews. But perhaps if they did, would we the fans, the players, the mentors - and the referees themselves - receive any benefit? Perhaps.

After a recent trial in August conducted by TG4, in which they mic'd up referee John O'Halloran for the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship final, there were several people who were enthused by the idea.

As the action unfolded, viewers were able to understand exactly why the referee made a certain decision.

This is not a new phenomenon; it has been the case for several years in sports such as American football and rugby union - a sport others look to as the standard bearer for respecting match officials.

"At the moment, there probably isn't that protocol in place where I can come out and explain a decision," said Cork referee Colm Lyons.

"It's all about communication. I think we can all do a bit better in terms of explaining decisions. I think most of the decisions stand for themselves. We'd be the first as referees to put our hands up and say, 'look, we got it wrong'.

"Does everybody as a player, manager, coach, selector say 'we got it wrong'? Some will, some won't. I think referees, we're very open to improving."

Earlier this year, RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett hinted at the idea of mic-ing up referees after a brawl between Tyrone and Armagh players in the Allianz National League.

McBennett wished for "the ability for referees to articulate their decisions".

"That match between Armagh and Tyrone,