By Randal Scally
The GAA has been part of Dolores Slevin’s life for as long as she can remember. As the daughter of the late, great Mick Spain, there was simply no escaping it.
The tenth anniversary of Mick’s death fell recently (February 5) and he is still fondly remembered for his enormous contribution to the GAA as a player, referee and administrator. The Kilcormac man hurled for Offaly at all levels before going on to referee the 1972 All-Ireland SHC final between Kilkenny and Cork. His other big refereeing assignments included the 1971 and ’74 All-Ireland MHC deciders, which were also contested by Kilkenny and Cork, and the 1973 All-Ireland U21FC final between Kerry and Mayo.
In addition, Mick handled a National Hurling League final in New York, an All-Ireland JFC final, four All-Ireland club hurling deciders and was inducted into the GAA’s Hurling Referees Hall of Fame in 2009.
