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Former GAA Referee Sentenced for Decades-Old Assault

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Thomas Howard, a former GAA referee, was sentenced at Portlaoise Circuit Court to six years and nine months for indecently assaulting his niece Maeve Leahy from ages three to puberty in the mid-1980s to 1990s.
Howard, now 79, was a notable referee who officiated the 1993 All-Ireland final.
Maeve Leahy, now 46, waived her anonymity and expressed satisfaction with the verdict, hoping others will come forward.

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Story summary

Thomas Howard, a former GAA referee, was sentenced at Portlaoise Circuit Court to six years and nine months for indecently assaulting his niece Maeve Leahy from ages three to puberty in the mid-1980s to 1990s.
Howard, now 79, was a notable referee who officiated the 1993 All-Ireland final.
Maeve Leahy, now 46, waived her anonymity and expressed satisfaction with the verdict, hoping others will come forward.