The GAA have announced that David Gough will take on the role of referee for the highly anticipated 2023 GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Final, which is scheduled for July 30th. This game will see Dublin and Kerry clash once again, marking Gough's second time officiating a Senior Final, the first being in 2019 involving the same two teams.
Gough has an impressive track record as a referee. He has presided over several significant games, including the 2013 All-Ireland U21 Football Final, the 2015 All-Ireland Minor Football Final, and the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Club Final. Moreover, he has been a fixture in major provincial finals, having overseen the Munster Final in 2016, the Connacht Final in 2017, and the Ulster Finals in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
In this year's thrilling Football Championship, Gough has already taken charge of crucial matches, such as the Connacht Semi-Final between Roscommon and Galway, the Ulster Final between Armagh and Derry, as well as Round 1 games in the All-Ireland Series, including Galway versus Tyrone, Round 2 between Cork and Kerry, and the Quarter-Final showdown between Dublin and Mayo.
The #GAA are delighted to confirm that David Gough from @MeathGAA will be the referee for the 2023 GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Final on July 30th between @DubGAAOfficial and @Kerry_Official. #GAABelong
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 20, 2023
Throughout the season, Gough has also officiated in three Division 1 Allianz Football League games, along with one Division 3 Allianz Football fixture. Additionally, he showcased his expertise as the referee for the Senior Club Semi-Final match between Glen and Maigh Cuilinn.
The upcoming All-Ireland Senior Final will mark David's 46th Senior Championship game as a referee, a testament to his immense experience and proficiency in handling high-stakes encounters.
Assisting Gough on the big day will be his trusted umpires from the Slane club, including Dean Gough, Eugene Gough, Stephen Gough, and Terry Gough.
Furthermore, the linemen for the final will be Martin McNally from Monaghan and James Molloy from Galway. Martin McNally will also serve as the standby referee, ensuring seamless proceedings throughout the match. Fergal Kelly from Longford will take on the role of Sideline Official.
