TIPPERARY SHC:HIGHLY-RESPECTED former intercounty referee Willie Barrett was forced to abandon a club hurling match in Tipperary at the weekend after he was struck twice by a supporter wielding a hurley.

Barrett called a halt to the Ballingarry versus Carrick Davin South-Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship clash at Kilsheelan 10 minutes into the second half after a Davin fan rushed from the crowd and struck Barrett.

The assailant was then engulfed by a number of people, and the Ardfinnan whistler was protected by a player and linesman Keith O’Brien.

Gardaí are investigating the incident and are understood to have spoken to members of the Carrick Davin club yesterday after Barrett was left with a cut on his back from the first blow.

Barrett is well-known not only in local GAA circles but also on the national refereeing circuit, having taken charge of a number of top championship games during an illustrious career with the whistle.