Players’ commitment opened my eyes to potential of interpros

I have to hold my hands up and admit that, over the last few years, I have been among the doubters, one of the many thousands around the country wondering what future the old Railway Cup has? 

Attendances have dwindled dramatically from a couple of thousand to being able to count the number of people in the stand at a glance, like you could at last week’s semi-finals. One hundred or so at the hurling in Semple and a similar crowd in Parnell Park for the football. Five-hundred-odd gathered in Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday for the football final.

Where did it all go wrong? I was always honoured and privileged to play for my province. Medals were hard to come by with Tipp, and this was an opportunity for the likes of myself to mix it with the best in the country.