Joe McQuillan says the chopping and changing of rules doesn’t make it any easier for referees

In this week’s Gaelic Life, we ask some of the biggest names in refereeing – Joe McQuillan, Maurice Deegan and Pat McEnaney – how they have dealt with the arrows and jibes that comes their way.

For instance, Cavan whistler Joe McQuillan shipped heavy criticism from Kerry fans in the aftermath of their All-Ireland defeat against Dublin 2011. He says the most important thing is not to take criticism personally.

“Controversy will always follow refrees. Somebody always has an objection to something you do. I don’t let it get in on me. If you let it get in on you, you won’t be a referee. You can’t let it get personal.

“I suppose social media criticism goes with it and that doesn’t make it more attractive. The changing of rules isn’t making it any easier either.”