Craggagh National School Co Mayo

Luke Murphy - The Man In Black!

My name is Luke Murphy. I am 12 years old and am a 6th class pupil in Craggagh NS, Co Mayo. I play football with my school's Cumann na mBunscol team and with my club, Kiltimagh.

Last year in school we trained as referees in the Young Whistlers Programme. I was selected to officiate during the Mayo Vs Kerry All Ireland football semi-final in Croke Park on the 21st of August.

We arrived at Clonliffe College at 10:00am. I went in with my family and met all the other boys and girls taking part in the Go Games and was given my kit. We heard a speech from the President of the INTO welcoming us all and wishing us well.

Afterwards we walked over Croke Park. It was my very first visit to the stadium and I thought was amazing. Before the senior match, we went out onto the pitch for the flag ceremony. At half time in the Mayo/Kerry match I went down onto the pitch where I refereed the boys’ exhibition game in front of 50,000 people. It was a very exciting experience.

When our game was finished, we went back up to the Cusack Stand and watched the second half of the senior match. It was a wonderful day.

I found out that it was the 8th most watched sports program on TV of 2011. I’m famous now!