Despite the stick they often get for their efforts, be it online or from the sideline and stands, without referees there would be no GAA action for us to enjoy throughout the year.
To mark their efforts the Louth Referees Association hosted an awards night recently in the Village Saloon, Dromin, where the people who stood in the middle for last season's various county finals got a medal to commemorate that achievement.
There was also a prize for Referee of the Year which on this occasion went the way of Ultan McElroy, who took charge of the Senior Final between Ardee St Mary's and Newtown Blues.
There to take in the night of celebration was the Democrat's resident photographer Arthur Kinahan.
Can you see yourself or anybody you know in the gallery? Don't forget to tag them in the comments across our social media pages.
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