(Photo: © Grant Down (open2view.com))

Leading hockey umpire Lyn Farrell has become the first New Zealander to umpire 100 international matches.

Farrell completed her 100th international in Wellington last Saturday umpiring alongside fellow New Zealander Sarah Garnett in the first test of a five-match series between the Black Sticks and the USA Women. 

After the Test match, Farrell received a framed photograph of her umpiring at the Women’s Olympic Hockey Qualifying Tournament in Auckland 2004, to commemorate her remarkable career. A booklet summarising her umpiring career, with stories and comments from colleagues in New Zealand and around the world was also presented to Farrell. 

Farrell has umpired at two Olympics, two World Cups and two Commonwealth Games. 

She was recognised last year at the prestigious North Harbour Sporting Excellence Awards, when she was named Referee/Umpire of the Year. The award is judged across all sports. 

Farrell also picked up Maori Sports Awards Umpire/Referee of the Year in 2004. 

Farrell is currently Chair of the Hockey New Zealand Board.