The next time you’re at a Garda Checkpoint, don’t be surprised if you’re handed a yellow card if anything is not in order.
50-year-old Michael Connolly is known around the county for his work as a referee in both the League of Ireland and in Donegal GAA games.
However the Tyrone native, who now resides in Glenfin, will soon be swapping his referee’s uniform for a Garda one.
Michael will be sworn in as a member of An Garda Síochána next month – and he has told his story of how became inspired to swap one set of high-vis workwear for another.
“I came down here (to the Garda College) in December, and there are just so many things that can naturally transfer from refereeing to being in the Guards,” he said in a video released by the Garda College on social media about Michael’s story.
“I think I’ve always had a grá for joining the Guards, I think it’s in the family DNA.”
“We were told as children that my grandfather, who I was called for, Mickey, in the 1960s had applied to join the Guards and went through the processes. At the time unfortunately his mother took sick, so he had to stay at home, mind the farm and became a farmer for the rest of his days.”
“I think that has always been niggling at me, at the back of my mind and it’s part of my DNA. The fact that I’m called (after) him probably factors into that (too).”
When asked about joining the Gardaí in the older 35-50 year old age bracket, Michael says that having family support behind him has been one of the most important factors.
“In terms of the 35-50 year old bracket that have been brought into the Guards this time. What I would say about Templemore is (it’s) a fabulous place… it just sets you up so you can focus on your classes, look after your studies, tick your boxes and do what needs to be done.”
“The one thing is that you do need a supportive environment. If you have a wife, children at home it’s tough (some) days.”
“My wife has been absolutely fabulous, she’s basically been a single parent with three very busy girls for the last nine months. Apart from one day where there was an emotional wee lassie it’s been all good, they’ve been fabulous for me. I would encourage anyone in that age group to go for it.”
One of the easier aspects was passing the fitness tests required to become a trainee Garda despite being the oldest recruit in the college’s history – another point where his refereeing history has come in handy.”
“Referees (have) fitness tests three or four times a season, so we have to maintain our fitness levels. So that transferred in really well.”
“Laws – soccer is governed by the seventeen FIFA laws of the game, so it’s a similar situation for the Guards with (learning about) sanctions and penalties… it made it a little bit easier.”
Donegal based referee Michael Connolly to become oldest-ever Garda recruit was last modified: August 11th, 2025 by Staff Writer