GAA: State of hurling dominates debate in the Banner

THE STATE of hurling dominated Clare’s GAA convention yesterday, amid claims that the association has utterly failed to promote the code in 20 of the 32 counties.

Issues such as the controversial new sliothar and the necessity to promote hurling through staggered live TV games pushed the opening of Croke Park into the background.

Veteran delegate Brendan Vaughan claimed there had been no change in the last 50 years to improve the game of hurling for players and spectators.

“The flicks and touches that made hurling special have become null and void,” said ex-Banner hurler Sean Hehir. “All you need now is a fella of 6’4" to stand and grab the high ball, and the game starts from there.”

He added: “Additionally, there is a real danger with the speed of this new ball. Do we have to wait ’til someone loses an eye or gets a belt in the temple before we act?”

On the proposal that hurling should have a high-calibre game every Sunday during the height of the season, Eire Og’s Michael McNamara stated that this was to give hurling equal exposure to football, which currently enjoys a much higher TV profile.

Among a raft of other proposals ratified by delegates was a call for counties to get an increase of 20% in funding for the provincial and All-Ireland championships.

Also included was a proposal that as and from Congress 2005, the issue of playing rules should again be open to discussion and possible change.

“Congress 2001 made a decision which effectively keeps the door closed on any such debate for the next five or six years,” complained delegate Martin Hanrahan. “With due respect to those involved, it was a ridiculous to decision to make.”

On the election front, and despite the strong hurling representation in delegates and debate, the west took the first two positions, an emotional John O’Gorman from Doonbeg accepting the president’s chair, with Miltown’s Michael McDonagh replacing Fr Michael McNamara.

“I thank you all for taking a chance on an unknown from west Clare,” declared the Kilrush-based detective garda. “I’m a hard taskmaster, GAA to the core, and will work hard to promote both hurling and football.”

Officers - President: John O’Gorman (Doonbeg); Chairman: Michael McDonagh (St. Joseph’s Miltown); Vice-Chairman: Michael O’Neill (Ballyea); Secretary: Pat Fitzgerald (Sixmilebridge); Assistant Secretary: Sean Keane (Kilfenora); Treasurer: PJ O’Kelly (Inagh); Assistant Treasurer: Brendan Keane (St. Joseph’s); Youth Officer: Sylvester O’Connor (Sixmilebridge); PRO: Des Crowe (Ruan); Oifigeach Gaeilge & Cultur: Pat McMahon (Eire Og); Oifigeach Forbatha: Sean A’Chnoic (Lissycasey); Coaching Officer: Noel O’Driscoll (O’Callaghan’s Mills); Ard-Comhairle delegate: Tom Downes (Kilmihil); Munster Council delagates (2): Gerard Hickey (Feakle) and John Reidy (St. Joseph’s Miltown).