BERTIE SMITH will become the latest Irishman to gain international honours as a referee at senior level when he takes charge of the Five Nations Championship match between Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield on January 18th.
Smith's appointment is just recognition for some fine performances this season during which he got an excellent report for his handling of a European Cup match, in particular.
Smith (45) is vice-principal of Ashton School in Cork and has had a distinguished sporting career, marked by achievement in athletics, Gaelic football and rugby.
He won Munster Senior League and Junior Cup medals with Cork Constitution, played for Munster in 1975-76 and was a member of the Ireland side that defeated France 9-6 in the B international in Dublin in December 1975 Ireland's first match at this level.
He represented Ireland Schools in athletics in 1969 and in 1971 was a member of the divisional side Carbery that won the Cork Senior Football Championship. He has been refereeing since 1983.
The match in Murrayfield next month is the only championship fixture at which an Irish referee will officiate this season.
