Galway officials threaten strike action

Audio

• Morning Ireland: Martin Breheny speaks to Des Cahill about a possible referee's strike in Galway ahead of the county hurling final, and Des plays an edited clip of the abuse hurled at referee Christy Helebert following a recent match.

Referees in Galway are threatening to strike in the wake of incidents arising out of the County Hurling semi final between Loughrea and Mullagh.

Three Mullagh players were given 48 week bans for allegedly assaulting referee Christy Helebert after they lost the game to a hugely contentious last-minute Loughrea free.

However, following personal hearings, Conor Dervan, John Rafferty and Davy Glennon had their suspensions reduced to 12 weeks for ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’.

This has angered officials in the county who have vowed to stand by their colleague until the matter is addressed.