Editorial: Referees deserve our support after Kilkenny 'poison pen' letter

It’s a sad state of affairs that leads an individual to pen an appalling letter to a local referee over his management of a hurling match.

Refereeing is rarely an easy job and it is often also a thankless one. No one who goes into the role is doing it to make money or unfairly influence the result of matches. They are doing it out of their passion for the sport and interest in seeing it thrive. Their service is to the benefit of the players, the clubs and everyone watching.

The reaction of the referee’s colleagues — to immediately down whistles in solidarity is understandable. It sends a powerful message that this kind of abuse is simply not tolerable. The county’s camogie board announced a similar cancellation in solidarity.

With a garda investigation under way, it seems possible that the individual responsible for writing and sending the letter will be identified. It is probable that the author attended the game and likely offered some comment on it at the time.
If and when they are identified, a serious sanction is required.

WATER WOES
There’s some good news this week with Irish Water —now Uisce Eireann — confirming that the water improvement scheme for Kilkenny City has now reached the midway point. It will improve the security of water supply across the city and surrounding areas, for over 28,000 people.

However, it beggars belief that the problems plaguing North Kilkenny are persisting. It seems now a weekly occurrence that Irish Water issues a Friday evening update to the effect that works are continuing. The update seems to be that there is no update.

It first became an issue back around Christmas, and then weeks later, appeared to be momentarily resolved. But the Boil Water notice was quickly reissued.

People in the north of the county should be entitled to the same access to services as those elsewhere. It is unacceptable that the problems are continuing.