Former Limerick hurler Séamus Flanagan has called for referees to be given the same level of support as officials in soccer and rugby.
Flanagan was speaking ahead of this weekend’s All-Ireland semi-finals, with the championship structure and possible rule changes discussed.
The 28-year-old made comparisons to the rule changes seen in football, and says everything must be looked at when it comes to hurling, particularly when it comes to how the game if officiated.
Flanagan suggests a review system for yellow cards similar to rugby, and for the role of umpires to be expanded.
“For what the football did, everything was on the table, everything was open for discussion. If you approach it like that, everything is a possibility.
“One thing I would like to see is the referee with additional help. You look at soccer, you look at VAR, you look at Rugby, you look at the TMO.
“Hurling is the fastest on-field sport there is in the world, and you are expecting one man in the middle of the pitch to see everything that happens between men who are going to war on the pitch.
“If you had some sort of aid for that referee, be it in the stand or wherever that may be, even a van outside the ground. You can just tap into it.
“I would love to see the umpires become more vocal and utilised in a better manner. Having them more involved in the game with all this off-the-ball stuff that is happening.”
In his first year away from the Limerick panel, the Treaty County are preparing for their semi-final against rivals Clare.
Part of the four-in-a-row All-Ireland side, Limerick have not won Liam MacCarthy since 2023.
However, with an added hunger, Limerick have won Division 1A and a Munster title already this season, and Flanagan expects Limerick to step up another gear.
“You see what they have at their disposal, and this team is never going to be far away with the personnel that they have. The names speak for themselves. Some of those names will go down in history, and some of those names will be remembered as the best to ever do it.
“You look at the last two seasons where they haven’t got over the line. You look at that Cork game, it could have gone either way. The same with the Dublin game, a puck of a ball at the end of it.
“I still think there is another gear in this Limerick team and I do think Clare will bring that out in them.
“Croke Park, playing your neighbours, your close rivals, the team you built up this rivalry over so long, between minor, 21s, up to senior grade, it is going to bring out the best in this Limerick team.
“It is going to bring out the best in Clare as well, so I’m expecting a real cracker.”
A big game in Croke Park is the day Flanagan would love to be part of, as he was left out of the panel for 2026.
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The Feohanagh-Castlemahon clubman has been a pundit on RTÉ and GAA+ this season, and has not ruled out a return to the Limerick jersey in the future.
“Never say never. It’s something that was a massive part of my life and, right now, I’m trying to move on with my life in terms of my coaching and the bit of punditry work, which I’m enjoying.
“I take it every day as it comes. If another opportunity opens up to go back in, I’ll definitely explore that option, but, for now, unfortunately, that’s not an option.
“We play the cards that we’re dealt and make the best of what we’re dealt. So enjoying it where I am right now, but whatever comes in the future, we’ll take it one step at a time when that comes about.”
