McQuillan's calm and respectful demeanour saw him reach the top as a ref
The Anglo-Celt Community & Sports Awards, in partnership with Mannok and Kingspan, will take place this evening in the Cavan Crystal Hotel. Referee Joe McQuillan is a finalist for Outstanding Achievement of the Year...
Joe McQuillan, one of the most respected and experienced referees in Gaelic football, hails from the Kill Shamrocks club. Over the past two decades, McQuillan has established himself as a steady and reliable official at the highest levels of the game, with his calm demeanor and consistency marking him out as one of the GAA’s elite referees.
McQuillan’s rise through the refereeing ranks began at the grassroots level, where he officiated local club games before progressing to inter-county fixtures. His dedication and meticulous approach to preparation soon caught the attention of GAA officials and he made his All-Ireland Senior Football Championship debut in 2011. Since then, McQuillan has refereed four All-Ireland SFC finals: Dublin v Kerry (2011), Dublin v Mayo (2013), Dublin v Mayo (2017), and Mayo v Tyrone (2021). These high-stakes matches have cemented his reputation as a trusted figure capable of handling intense championship encounters.
Reflecting on the challenge of officiating in high-pressure environments, Joe stated in a 2011 interview: “Refereeing the All-Ireland was all about getting the head right and keeping the nerves down. It was a big match of course but it still had to be reffed the same as every other game. It's not different in that respect.” This philosophy highlights his commitment to maintaining consistency and composure regardless of the occasion.
Aside from his appearances in All-Ireland finals, McQuillan has also officiated at the provincial level, including three Leinster finals, one Munster final, and two Ulster finals. His portfolio also features the All-Ireland U21 final in 2006 and the All-Ireland Senior Club final in 2008. His appointment to these matches demonstrates the GAA’s confidence in his ability to manage games of significance.
A Cavanman to the core, Joe also was the man in the middle at all of the major championship and league finals within the county at various times and, indeed, can often be seen in the role of linesman at club championship matches on occasion.
Throughout his career, McQuillan has garnered respect not only for his decision-making but also for his approachable nature on the pitch. Players and managers alike have noted his willingness to communicate during the game, a quality that has helped him build rapport while maintaining authority.
As McQuillan’s inter-county career comes to an end, dictated by the GAA’s age eligibility policy concluding at 50, his legacy as a top-tier referee remains intact. His longevity in the role speaks to his dedication, physical fitness, and the esteem in which he is held within Gaelic games.
He remains heavily involved with his own club and is known as a friendly and astute voice for aspiring young referees throughout Cavan and further afield.
With special thanks to our partners and sponsors in these awards - Mannok, Kingspan, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dovida, Kyte Powertech, CICS Silo Clean and Joe Rowley Windows