Seamus Downes

Seamus Downes talks about his GAA experiences over the years. Originally from Drumraney, he played football at school and with the local club, Maryland. He later went to Marist College in Athlone and played there when he wasn't needed at home to do farm work. At 14 he umpired his first game, and soon he was officiating all the time along with referees that he knew. Seamus also trained as an auctioneer and moved to Athlone where he became involved with Athlone GAA, eventually becoming president. He talks about how the role of the umpire has changed over the years and outlines some of the problems he faced starting out, such as crowd control. He also has definite views on refereeing in the GAA today, giving his opinions on issues such as video refereeing, the selection process for referees, and changes in the rules governing how Gaelic games are played. Seamus has spent his whole life involved with the Association but he still has great enthusiasm for it, and there's nothing he enjoys more than a good seat in the Hogan Stand on All-Ireland final day.