James Hatton (14 August 1934 – 28 February 2023) was an Irish Gaelic footballer, hurler and referee. He played at club level with Kilcoole and was a dual player with the Wicklow senior teams. Hatton also served as a referee at club and inter-county levels.

Playing career

Hatton first played Gaelic football and hurling as a schoolboy with Kilcoole NS and Greystones CBS, winning a North Wicklow Juvenile League title in 1948. He later played at underage levels with Newtownmountkennedy and won a Wicklow U16FC title in 1950. Hatton later had a lengthy career at senior levels with the Kilcoole club. He won a Wicklow SFC title in 1954, while he also lined out in several Wicklow SHC finals. Hatton also spent a decade as a dual player with Wicklow. He won an O'Byrne Cup title in 1957 and a Leinster JHC medal in 1964.

Post-playing career

Hatton began refereeing at club level in 1957. He had the distinction of refereeing 11 All-Ireland finals at club and inter-county levels in both hurling and Gaelic football. These include eight All-Ireland finals at senior level, including both senior finals in 1966. Hatton also refereed the inaugural All-Ireland club final in 1971. Hatton also served in various administrative roles with the Kilcoole club. He was a team selector when Wicklow won the Leinster JFC title in 1969 and when the Wicklow senior hurlers won Division 2 of the National Hurling League in 1976.

Personal life and death

Hatton worked as a company rep for a clothing company. He married Rose Reilly in 1965 and the couple had four children; two boys and two girls. She predeceased Hatton in 2017. Hatton died on 28 February 2023, at the age of 88.

Honours