A new strategic partnership focused on referee performance, development, education and research has been launched by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Munster GAA.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to strengthen collaboration in these areas from 2027 to 2030, building on an existing three-year relationship between the two organisations.
The existing collaboration sees TUS lecturers, Dr Damien Young and Dr Keith Hennessy from the Department of Sport, Leadership and Human Performance at the Thurles Campus, work directly with the Munster inter-county referee panel, with the support of Dr James Griffin, Dean of Business and Humanities and Dr Amy McGuire, Head of Sport, Leadership & Human Performance.
Referees also use the SportsLab on the Thurles campus for performance testing and education.
A key priority will be a needs analysis to identify development priorities and guide future investment. The partnership will initially focus on the Munster inter-county referee panel, while providing scope to explore opportunities to support the Munster GAA Referees Academy and a wider referee development pathway over time.
Potential areas of collaboration include strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, performance analysis and innovation. Together, TUS and Munster GAA aim to enhance referee performance, wellbeing and long-term development across the province.
Speaking at the launch, Munster GAA chairman Tim Murphy said, “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with TUS through this strategic partnership, which reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
“Referees play a vital role in Gaelic Games, and this collaboration will provide valuable support to help them develop, perform and lead with confidence at every level of our games.”
For further information, contact Johnny Ryan at johnny.ryan.munster@gaa.ie or Dr Damien Young at Damien.Young@tus.ie
