Sir, - John O'Sullivan's criticism of the referee in the St Mary's College versus Lansdowne AIL game is entirely justified. (The Irish Times, December 14th). As a regular attender at AIL matches, from division 1 to 3, I am appalled at the poor standard of refereeing in this country.
The game, whether one likes it or not has turned professional. Coaches are paid (some are imported from abroad at enormous expense), players are being paid, and vast sums are being spent improving club facilities, yet the referees remain amateurs.
The IRFU must urgently address this issue by remunerating referees for their work. By doing so they will attract more people to become referees, and in time the standard of refereeing will improve. - Yours, etc., David P. Jameson,
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.