Liam Sheedy: I'm very uneasy at clear signs that hurling is in trouble

The way our year is structured now works okay for the clubs consistently challenging in the latter stages of competitions, but it’s not much good to the clubs that endure early exits, with their championship involvement more or less over as soon as it commenced.

TAKING STOCK: Thurles Sarsfields Denis Maher and Kildangan’s Fergal Hayes at the end of the Tipperary county final replay

The completion of the Tipperary senior hurling season last Sunday is a natural point for me to draw a few conclusions, but in truth I’ve been turning over this topic in my head for months. I just feel we are at a critical juncture in where the game goes over the next five to 10 years. And I’m very uneasy at signs, not far below the surface, that hurling is in trouble.

The Tipperary final replay was good. Kiladangan dug deep to overcome Thurles Sars with a strong finish, showing admirable resolve after losing out in a replay last year. Kiladangan’s involvement at the business end of championship for the last number of years is so important in growing and developing their club and attracting and retaining players at all levels. While also encouraging strong people to take roles and stay involved on the club’s committees.