Croker to rent: a hurling lesson
Added to that, the commitment and professionalism of those participating on and off the field of play is unique in the amateur sporting world.
However, from the perspective of a parent of a juvenile who plays both codes, all is not well at ground level. A while ago I attended a schools hurling match which was played in a public park. There were 25 to 30 children per team, each managed by one committed teacher.
Because the referee did not turn up, this meant that one of these teachers had to take on the job.
During the match the teacher who was not ‘reffing’ asked me to keep an eye on the subs as there was a suspicious looking character lurking about attempting to engage the children’s attention. Apart from that concern, fortunately no child got injured that day.
The thought of a 10-year-old boy heading off on his own in an ambulance to casualty does not bear thinking about.
I would humbly suggest to those with influence that teachers who give up their free time should be compensated financially.
An obvious source of such funds could be obtained from the renting out of Croke Park to various interested parties. I would encourage those who have a love of our national games to look forward rather then backward.
Jim Jackman,
16, Park Drive Court,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.
