Croke Park calling as Carlow referee lands role for All-Ireland Ladies football final

A Carlow GAA referee is set for another big day in Croke Park after being appointed as fourth official for this year's TG4 All-Ireland Ladies senior football final.

St Mullin's clubman Jonathan Murphy, who refereed last year's senior final between Kerry and Galway, will be on the sideline as Leinster rivals Dublin and Meath go head-to-head in the 2025 decider on Sunday, August 3.

Murphy brings vast experience to the role. He previously took charge of the 2020 and 2024 senior finals, as well as the 2016 junior and 2019 intermediate finals, and has officiated some of the biggest clashes in recent years across all grades.

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In last year's final, Murphy said he was "absolutely thrilled" to be chosen, calling the occasion "extra special" as it marked the LGFA's 50th anniversary - though it was also a poignant one following the passing of his long-serving umpire Jim Treacy.

This year, he returns to Croke Park as part of a strong officiating team, with Sligo's Gus Chapman taking charge of the senior final. Chapman will be joined by standby referee Brendan Rice (Down), while Murphy provides support from the sideline as fourth official.

The All-Ireland triple-header will also see Laois face Tyrone in the Intermediate final and Antrim take on Louth in the Junior decider. Throw-in for the senior clash is at 4.15pm, with live coverage on TG4.

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