Irish referees set for Europa League matches
Wednesday, 9 September 2009UEFA has appointed Irish officials for three matches in the group stages of the Europa League, which start on Thursday 17 September.
These matches will be part of the experiment which will see six officials control each match. The refereeing team, which would usually consist of the referee, two assistant referees and the fourth official, will now be joined by two additional assistant referees for these matches.
Alan Kelly will head-up an all-Irish delegation of officials to take charge of the Europa League Group D match between German side Hertha Berlin and FK Ventspils of Latvia. Kelly will be assisted by five Irish officials - Marc Douglas, Damien McGrath, Richie Winter, Anthony Buttimer and Neil Doyle.
Irish officials will also take charge of two further Europa League matches this season, with the fixtures to be confirmed by UEFA.
In further good news for Irish referees, Hilda McDermott has been appointed as referee for the Women's World Cup Qualifying match between Iceland and Estonia on 17 September and she will be assisted by Paula Brady and Ciaran Delaney from Dublin.
Rhona Daly has been appointed to a Women's Under-19 Mini-Tournament in Estonia from 18-25 September. She will be assisted by Michelle O'Neill from Wexford.
Europa League Group D - 17 September
Hertha BSC Berlin v FK Ventspils
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).
Assistants: Marc Douglas (Louth) & Damien McGrath (Mayo).
Fourth Official: Richie Winter (Wicklow).
Additional Assistant Referees: Anthony Buttimer (Cork) & Neil Doyle (Dublin).
