Hurling minors & U21’s heading east

Date Published: 10-Dec-2010

GALWAY’S top hurling officials have been given the green light by delegates to approach Leinster Council and discuss the possibility of the county’s minor and U-21 teams joining the provincial championship at these grades.

With Galway’s senior representatives heading into their final season of their three-year term competing in Leinster hurling, clubs are hoping that the current system will not only be extended for the seniors for another period, but that the county’s minor and U-21 sides can also compete within the provincial structure.

Discussion arose on the proposal when a motion was putdown by Sarsfields at the annual Galway Hurling Board convention at Raheen Woods Hotel last Wednesday evening. Speaking on the motion, Sarsfields’ delegate Tommie Fox acknowledged Galway’s minor and U-21 outfits could not take part in the 2011 competitions, but he said the club wished to initiate a debate on the county’s future involvement in such a venture.

“Two years ago, we had a great debate on the seniors joining the Leinster championship and there were a lot of people who spoke for and against it,” said Fox. “At the end of the day, though, Galway went in, and it was not the end of the world. Now, our club feels that both the Galway minor and U-21 teams should also compete in the Leinster championship.”

He said he was aware the current U-21 manager, Anthony Cunningham, was in favour of such a move, while he also acknowledged the views of minor boss, Mattie Murphy, who previously advocated that the shortest run to the All-Ireland was the best.

However, Fox argued that that if Galway qualified for a Leinster final at minor level, even if they were beaten, they would still get a second chance as there is currently a back-door for provincial final losers. “They will get a second chance.”

While Gort delegate Dermot Flaherty was very much in favour of the U-21s entering a provincial series, he said he would have reservations about the minors following suit. “Over the last number of years, we have been very successful at that grade [under the present system],” said Flaherty.

“If our minors enter Leinster, then they have to start training a lot earlier in the year and I think in any young fellow’s life, education should come first. At present, there is no pressure put on any of the players until after the Leaving Cert. That is when they are brought together and a panel is picked.”

Clarinbridge delegate Mike Carr, though, said Galway seeking inclusion in the Leinster championship at minor and U-21 grades was “a no-brainer,” adding “we have to go in”. He argued that the players in Kilkenny and Wexford also go to school in those counties and still manage to play for their counties and do their exams. “We have to go in,” reiterated Carr. “It is a no-brainer. We, in Galway, have been isolated for far too long.”

Castlegar’s Michael Connolly also expressed a similar sentiment, noting there had been plenty of “ifs and buts” when Galway sought to join Leinster in late 2008. That said, he believed management, players and supporters alike were delighted to be involved in a provincial championship. “I can’t see why it wouldn’t work,” he added.

However, Oranmore/Maree delegate Tony McGrath urged caution. He agreed most people might be in favour of it, but highlighted that Galway had been beaten by Kilkenny both years in the Leinster championship – in the 2009 semi-final and 2010 final – and he believed the jury was still out.

He said they should wait until the seniors’ three-year cycle was complete to determine if the move was successful or not. He added: “What happened [with the U-21s] in Thurles was a once off, while Mattie Murphy had no explanation for what happened with the minors on the day. It was just one of those things. We have a good record at minor and U-21 as it stands and I think we should do our third year at senior in Leinster first . . . before we make any decision.”

For the full report see page 44 of this week’s City Tribune

See more from the convention on page 44:

• Thumbs down to four qualifying
• First sod to be turned in 2011
• Hanley has the X-factor