(Credit: Eddie Lennon)

Paul Tuite has been appointed to referee the FAI Ford Cup Final between Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers on Sunday, November 3, at the Aviva Stadium. He will be assisted by Damien MacGraith and Michelle O’Neill with Derek Tomney as Fourth Official. The Referee Observer will be John Duffy.

This year’s FAI Ford Cup Final will be preceded by the FAI Umbro Women’s Cup Final between Raheny United and Castlebar Celtic and will be refereed by Marie Ward. She will be assisted by Deirdre Nolan and Olivia Syned with Natasha Valentini as Fourth Official. The FAI Referee Observer will be Victor Loughman.

Tuite, who is 46, has been refereeing for 21 years having taken up the whistle after a knee injury cut short a playing career that had seen him play in the League of Ireland B Division and Leinster Senior League with St James’ Gate.

He refereed in the Amateur League before joining the League of Ireland panel in 1999. He was fourth official for the 2003 FAI Cup Final between Longford Town and St Patrick’s Athletic and refereed the 2011 EA SPORTS Cup Final between Derry City and Cork City.

He has also been Fourth Official at senior and U21 international level and has also fulfilled that role as part of Irish referee teams officiating in UEFA Champions League, Europa League and UEFA Cup matches.

“I am delighted to get the appointment and I am looking forward to the big day. I have a good team on board with me,” said Tuite who holds the rank of Flight Sergeant with the Aer Corps where he works as an Aircraft Air Worthiness Inspector.   

For Marie Ward this will be her second FAI Umbro Women’s Senior Cup Final as she also took charge of the 2011 Final between St Catherine’s and Wilton at Turner’s Cross. She referees in the Bus Eireann’s Women National League and has also been involved at international level.

Announcing the appointments, John Ward, Chairman of the FAI’s Elite Referees Committee said: “On behalf of the Elite Referees Committee I congratulate the officials on their prestigious appointment. Their appointment is recognition of their consistently high performance level throughout season 2013 and their dedication and commitment to their role. Being selected to officiate at the FAI Senior Cup Final is the highest honour in the domestic game and the highlight of many officials’ careers, and I wish this year’s teams of officials all the very best for their big day.” 

Match official appointments

FAI Ford Cup Final 2013 – Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers

Referee: Paul Tuite. 

Assistant Referee 1: Damien MacGraith. 

Assistant Referee 2: Michelle O’Neill.

Fourth Official: Derek Tomney. 

FAI Referee Observer: John Duffy.

FAI Umbro Women’s Cup Final 2013 – Raheny United v Castlebar Celtic

Referee: Marie Ward. 

Assistant Referee 1: Deirdre Nolan.

Assistant Referee 2: Olivia Syned.

Fourth Official: Natasha Valentini. 

FAI Referee Observer: Victor Loughman.