Dual players fully supported by Limerick County Board

THERE is bemusement in Limerick GAA circles this week at the lifting of the “ban” on dual intercounty players.

The reason is that no such ban ever existed. Indeed, the county board issued an unequivocal statement in full support of dual players, despite the stated opposition of the under-pressure hurling manager Eamonn

Cregan.

Stephen Lucey was one who went on to play championship in both hurling and football. Lucey reckons that now, as then, that the whole thing is being overblown. "It was never an issue for me anyway, I played for the two teams last year; went with the footballers when I had a chance; played for the hurlers when I was asked. I don't think there was ever very much in it, blown up a bit by the media."

Cregan made no secret of his opposition to dual status, but according to Lucey, there was never any ban in place. "He was dead set against it, but I more or less ignored what Eamonn was saying," laughed the Croom dual star. "We had a chat about it, and whenever he wanted me I went with him; after that, I went with the footballers." One of those who was influenced by last year's hurling manager was giant full-forward Brian Begley. An accomplished footballer, Begley concentrated on improving his hurling skills, a decision that has certainly paid off, with the Mungret-man now recognised as one of the biggest hurling threats around the small square.

Resuming his football career is something Begley is very much looking forward to, especially given the progress the senior team made last year. But again any talk of "bans" is a bit late as he has actually been in training with the footballers since last

October. "It's going to hard going for a while, but I missed the old football for the last couple of years, and I'm happy to be back. Hopefully, I'll manage to do the two for the year."

The real problem in Limerick of course, the one that will be faced by both Lucey and Begley (along with perhaps Conor Fitzgerald, Brian Geary, Mark O'Riordan) isn't bans, or perceived bans, but the same problem facing dual players up and down the country time. Stephen Lucey, son of a doctor, is a medical student in UCD, currently facing into a torrid few weeks of projects and exams, before starting his sixth and final year in March, while Brian Begley has just qualified as a garda, is based in Tralee.

Trying to play one sport at the top level under such circumstances would be challenge enough, for either individual trying to play two, with their parallel seasons is almost impossible. It will be a balancing act, involving a lot of compromise, not just by the players, but by the respective managers. This is a reality Begley recognises. "We had a meeting one night, it was discussed, and Dave (Keane, new hurling manager) said he had no problem with dual players; Liam Kerins feels the same way, so as long as they can work out any clashes between them, the main thing will be for players not to be burned out. It's not about bans, it's about logistics, time, organisation. If Limerick can somehow overcome all those difficulties; manage to field their best fifteen in both hurling and football, then there is no doubt that come the summer they will be a real force, both codes.