Ian McNabb has been appointed to referee Saturday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup Final between Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts.
He will be joined at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park (2.30pm kick-off) by assistant referees Stephen Donaldson and John Doherty, fourth official Ben McMaster and reserve AR Richard Hegarty.
McNabb (pictured) first officiated in Northern Ireland’s top flight in April 2012.
He has previously taken charge of an Irish Cup final (2019) as well as two NIFL League Cup deciders (2017 and 2020), a County Antrim Shield final (2016) and a European Play-Off Final (2023).
He has participated in many referee exchanges throughout his career, most notably with the Saudi Pro League.
McNabb has represented the Irish Football Association as a FIFA referee since 2017 and has officiated football matches in 30 countries.
He says he is honoured to have been selected by the Irish FA Referees Committee to officiate this year’s showpiece final, the pinnacle of local football.
Assistant referee Stephen Donaldson has been an Irish Premiership Assistant Referee for 11 years, with 10 of those years as a FIFA International AR.
He has officiated in two previous Irish Cup finals – in 2018 and 2023.
Assistant referee John Doherty began refereeing in 2015 and has been a NIFL Premiership Assistant Referee since 2020, joining the FIFA International List in 2023. He was also reserve assistant in the 2022 Irish Cup final.
Fourth official Ben McMaster is currently in his 12th season as a referee and in his second year representing the Irish Football Association on FIFA’s International List.
Reserve assistant referee Richard Hegarty began refereeing in 2015 and 2024-25 is his first season as an AR in the Irish Premiership.
He pointed out: “It’s been a brilliant experience, and I’m honoured to be part of the officiating team for this year’s Irish Cup Final.”
