Long serving Donegal referee Jimmy White brought down the curtain on his inter county career last Sunday due to the controversial age rule that applies to match officials.

In 2009, a motion was passed whereby referees officiating at inter-county level will have to stand down once they reach 50 years of age, although they can continue at club level.

White, who turned 50 last year took charge of the Dr McKenna Cup final between Derry and Tyrone last weekend and this was his last game.

The Killybegs man admits that he is disappointed to be compelled to stop refereeing at the highest level, but vowed to continue at club level for many years to come.

"I would have loved to continue refereeing for another year or two and to be honest I felt I was up to it and was still enjoying it and performing well," said White.

"But, it is outside my control; rules are rules and I have been forced to retire and I have to accept that and move on. Thankfully, I can still referee at club level and I will continue to do so for a good few yet."

White has a wealth of experience at inter-county level and in 2008 became the first Donegal man to referee an Ulster final and oversaw last year's Connacht final between Roscommon and Sligo. He has also officiated at All-Ireland minor and under-21 semi final over the years. Tweet

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