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Helen O'Reilly is set to make history in Cork this evening. James Crombie/INPHO
History

The men's All-Ireland League will have its first-ever female referee tonight

IRFU match official Helen O’Reilly takes charge of her first Ulster Bank League clash.

HELEN O’REILLY IS set to become the first-ever female referee of a men’s All-Ireland League game when she takes charge of Sundays Well’s meeting with Kanturk at Musgrave Park this evening [KO 19.30].

O’Reilly was appointed to the IRFU’s national panel of referees in December and is enjoying an ever-growing reputation within the sport.

The Dubliner, who previously played for Ashbourne and St. Mary’s, officiated the opening game of last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in France, when the hosts met Wales.

O’Reilly became the first Irish female referee to take charge of a Women’s Six Nations match in 2013, having started out with fixtures in the Women’s All-Ireland League.

The latest landmark in O’Reilly’s impressive career will come this evening with her first Ulster Bank League fixture, as Kanturk clash with Sundays Well on the resumption of the Division 2B action.

O’Reilly’s status as a member of the IRFU’s refereeing panel means she could end up involved in Pro12 and Champions Cup games.

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