Dermot Gallagher

Dermot Gallagher is a renowned retired Irish association football referee, known for his extensive career in the Premier League. As a keynote speaker, Dermot brings a wealth of experience and insights from his time officiating at the highest levels of football. His most significant achievement includes refereeing the 1996 FA Cup Final and being a FIFA-listed referee from 1994 to 2002.

Dermot Gallagher's early career began in 1978, when he took up refereeing at the suggestion of ex-Football League linesman Dick Bartlett. By 1985, he had progressed to the assistant referees' list in the Football League, by 1990 he had become a full referee. His rapid ascent saw him handling top division games by his second season, leading to his selection for the newly formed Premier League in 1992. Dermot's dedication and skill earned him a place on the FIFA list in 1994, just three and a half seasons into his refereeing career. 

Dermot's refereeing career is marked by numerous prestigious assignments and notable matches. He officiated the FA Charity Shield, the FA Trophy Final, and the Under-20 World Cup Final in Qatar, all just within the year 1995. In 1996, he was the referee for the FA Cup Final between Liverpool and Manchester United, a match remembered for Eric Cantona's winning goal. Despite his career being temporarily interrupted by a serious injury during the 1996 European Championships, Dermot made a strong comeback and continued to officiate at the highest levels until his retirement in 2007.

Throughout his career, Dermot received several accolades and held notable positions. He was the first referee since 1994 to receive an extension beyond the domestic retirement age of forty-eight in 2006. His longevity and consistency in the Premier League, serving from its inception until 2007, make him a legend of the game. Post-retirement, Gallagher continues to contribute to football through officiating in Masters Football tournaments, a series of national six-a-side competitions featuring ex-professional footballers. 

Hiring Dermot Gallagher as a speaker or host offers audiences invaluable insights into the world of professional football refereeing. He covers topics such as leadership under pressure, decision-making, and the evolution of football rules and officiating standards. Gallagher's speeches are rich with anecdotes from his illustrious career, providing not only education but also entertainment. His unique perspective on the game and his ability to articulate the challenges and triumphs of refereeing make him an ideal speaker for sports events, corporate functions, and educational seminars.