Maurice Deegan (born 1972)[1][2] is a former inter-county referee from County Laois. A member of the Stradbally club, he refereed three finals of the All-Ireland SFC.
Career
Deegan began refereeing when the Stradbally club secretary asked if he would oversee a friendly game.[1] Deegan officiated, wearing jeans and a t-shirt.[1] The club secretary recommended him for training and Deegan began working on local club matches and, later, underage development matches.[1]
Deegan refereed three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship finals at Croke Park — the 2016 All-Ireland Final Replay between Dublin and Mayo,[3] the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final between Donegal and Mayo[4][5][6] and the 2008 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final between Kerry and Tyrone.[7] He refereed his first All-Ireland final when he was 35 years old.[1]
Deegan also refereed the 2020 Munster Senior Football Championship Final between Tipperary and Cork which resulted in Tipp's first title since 1935. Cork-based newspaper, the Irish Examiner, reckoned Deegan gave a "solid" performance.[8]
Deegan was originally listed to referee the 2022 Tailteann Cup Final, but the GAA confirmed a change of referee on 6 July.[9] Deegan was absent for what would have been his final inter-county game after contracting COVID-19.[1] Barry Cassidy deputised in Deegan's absence.[10]
Deegan refereed the 2022 Leinster Senior Club Football Championship final (contested by The Downs and Kilmacud Crokes), his last game at Croke Park.[11] He fell and injured his shoulder during the second half of the match.[12] He was also involved in another collision, with the weather at fault.[13] Deegan was able to carry on.[14]
After retiring, he rated the 2011 All-Ireland semi-final between Donegal and Dublin as the most difficult game he had refereed.[11]
Personal life
Deegan is the father of two daughters.[1]