Limerick efforts to heal rift

LIMERICK county board chairman Pat Fitzgerald is to meet with the senior hurling management team today to discuss criticism by club delegates of the team’s performance this season.

Mr Fitzgerald was speaking in the aftermath of Wednesday’s monthly county board meeting where delegates spoke frankly on the disappointing performance of the team.

“It was a meeting where delegates who had something to say got it off their chests. I’m a firm believer in accountability and transparency. The one thing I did ask for was that any allegation which could not be substantiated should not be mentioned. There is enough rumour around without adding to it,” he said.

There had been a lot of disquiet building up within the county following the dismal performance of the senior team in the league and championship, including calls for the management to resign.

“It would be fair to say that expectations within Limerick were far too high following on from the marvellous successes we had in winning three under 21 titles in a row,” said Mr Fitzgerald, “but having said that, I would have to say, and the management of the team would agree that it was a very bad year for us even if the expectations were low.

“Personally, I would be very supportive of Dave Keane. He has delivered three All-Ireland U21 titles for Limerick, and I would ask genuine hurling people within the county to be patient.

“To be fair to all concerned however I’d also say that we must have something in place that works for 2004. We just cannot run on from this year to the next without seriously assessing where we are and what changes we are going to make.

“Changes must be made, and we must do things differently for 2004. That goes without question, and I’m certain the team management will agree with that.”

With the Gaelic Grounds fully refurbished and ready for high profile games, this row couldn’t come at a worse time as the County Board set about raising the necessary funds to pay for the job.

“Right now I’m not overly concerned with money. Our priority at this point in time is to get our senior structure right and our players, mentors, supporters and officials all having a passion to succeed for Limerick.

“John Landers put his finger on it at Wednesday’s meeting when he said the passion is missing from our hurling. It was there for our U21 successes, but wasn’t carried onto this year’s senior team. Everything else will follow if we have the passion.

“Passion is built on attitude and the desire to drive through to win. We have to get the recipe right. There are a lot of challenges facing us as were outlined at the meeting and I, as County Board chairman and the rest of my officers must take cognisance of what was said on Wednesday night”.

Mr Fitzgerald said strong views were expressed at the meeting with regards to the very poor level of performance of the team over the year.

“What needs to be done now is to identify why the team didn’t gel and if there were causes, can they be rectified for next season. We need to get the blend between the experienced players and the upcoming players right if we are to be successful,” he said.

“Right now the county board is looking to see how a proper structure can be put in place that works. Everybody acknowledges that 2003 didn’t work.

Mr Fitzgerald is to meet with the team management this afternoon to outline to them the views expressed at Wednesday night’s meeting and to discuss with them the plans for senior hurling Shannonside in 2004.