No one (including Joe) is absolutely sure how long Joe has been umpiring, but 40 years is an informed guess.

Joe Connolly presents the Under 15 interpro trophy to Tim Tector

When you reckon that he usually umpires 50-70 matches per season, his bank of experience is huge. As if that wasn’t enough, he has for many years umpired hockey matches through the winter months.

It has been a hallmark of Joe's umpiring that he is prepared to umpire at any level and on any ground no matter how distant.

Joe Connolly and Martin Russell: © Joe Curtis

In consequence he’s known throughout Leinster by players and umpires alike as Mr Reliable. He served as President of LCU&SA between 1993-5 and is currently serving a second term.