Westmeath referee James McGrath has resigned over his exclusion from the 2018 All-Ireland hurling final. Speaking to Marty Morrissey of RTE, McGrath said that "is not a decision I take lightly, it is a decision that has been made for me".
McGrath didn't ref either of the All-Ireland semi-finals, leading to speculation that he would be awarded the final. Instead, the sh0wpiece game has been awarded to James Owens, who refereed the first of the Galway/Clare semi-finals. McGrath is not involved in the final in any capacity.
Speaking to RTE, McGrath was critical of the "integrity" of the decision not to involve McGrath in any way.
The general feeling among a lot of the public - friends and indeed members of own club, county and community - would have said I had a very good chance of refereeing the final.
It is hugely disappointing not to be involved because the All-Ireland final is a special occasion for every match official.
The central refs appointment committee made the decision to appoint the team of officials on the day, and basically I found, as a result of that, the integrity of not appointing me in some capacity for the final left me with no other option but to reflect on the last year or number of years.
Having started out as an intercounty ref in 1998, McGrath has refereed two All-Ireland hurling finals: both were replays of the 2012 and 2013 finals. He also reffed this year's Munster final.
[RTE]
