Irish League official Maria Creaney: I almost quit something I love because of vile abuse

Maria Creaney is a well-regarded official in the Women's Premiership and Premier Intermediate League

The ‘Catch Yourself On’ campaign designed to target abuse of officials was unveiled by Irish FA Head of Refereeing Mike Riley

It’s uplifting and refreshing to listen to Maria Creaney talk passionately about the game she loves – but it was a much bleaker picture towards the end of last year.

The 37-year-old from west Belfast has always been football mad and her love for the game continued during her playing days with St James’ Swifts.

Maria then lifted the whistle and became part of the refereeing community, but one traumatic experience in early December almost led to her walking away from the game.

The hospital administrator was subjected to vile and unacceptable verbal abuse and threats from a football coach, forcing her to take time away from officiating matches.

Those painful memories never leave her but Maria was thrilled to support this week’s launch of the Irish Football Association’s Catch Yourself On campaign.

There will be bigger sanctions for those who abuse referees, and clubs will also be asked to nominate a new match official liaison officer to support officials during games.

Former Premier League whistler Mike Riley, now the Irish FA’s Head of Refereeing, helped push the campaign which will hopefully boost referee retention and recruitment at all levels of the game.

Fans are noticing that standards of behaviour from managers and players will be scrutinised like never before.

The Irish FA have tightened their disciplinary code with the desire to protect match officials and encourage a more positive environment.

Maria leaned on the support of her refereeing colleagues, family and the Irish FA before deciding