GAA not willing to pull the plug on interpros
That applies even if there are continuing difficulties in regard to them finding their own ‘niche’ in an ever-expanding fixtures schedule.
Speaking at the launch in Croke Park yesterday, where the hurling final was declared for Boston on the first Sunday in November, Mr Kelly made it clear that they were ‘not willing to pull the plug, because the people who matter care for the series. It has a great tradition and hopefully it will grow into a re-scheduled timetable into the future. And the fact we have got a sponsor on board is indicative of the commitment that’s there and the desirability to progress it.”
Martin Donnelly is reassured by the progress that has been made.
“It was on its last legs and we have revived it to a degree,” said the man who formerly sponsored the Clare footballers. The main feature this year is that games will be played at ‘local’ venues.
The GAA president said he was a bit fed up about all the negativity about the competitions and talk that they ‘were dead’. “The players are interested, the managers are interested. If you look at who are involved, that is what competitions are about - for players and for people who are interested in them. For that reason we feel they have a very important part to play in the Association.
“Granted, intercounty activity has increased and so club activity and participation has increased. That means inevitably there is going to be a certain ‘squeezing’ in terms of time scheduling. But, that should not detract from the fact that every competition has its own place. Every competition has its own niche, every competition is valuable and must be respected and that is what we have been trying to do in regard to this competition.’’
Taking the hurling final to Rome two years ago had proved successful, he said, whereas the move to Paris 12 months ago turned out to be somewhat disappointing because of a small crowd and the lack of a proper infrastructure. If they were going to take the hurling final ‘abroad’ it made sense to go where the association was strong and immediately the GAA in Boston, and specifically the McAnespies club, came on board.
“But it’s not all about playing the final abroad. We are putting a lot of effort into the semi-finals and moving them to smaller grounds - Crossmaglen, Parnell Park, Loughrea and Casement Park. Local groups will take charge and be able to market the games and having a PR firm on board should make it more successful.’’
Noel Walsh, a lifelong advocate of the competitions said that to abandon the competitions would be an ‘an insult’ to the wonderful players who have participated down the years.
“We believe we have a very good product, which compares very favourably with the Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cups -which are wonderful competitions but also lack spectator content. The major sticking point is to get larger attendances, particularly at the home games. It’s ‘hit and miss’ when you go abroad.’’ Pointing out that he was proud to be associated with the competitions, Martin Donnelly said he wasn’t sure if the timing of the competition for this time of the year was ‘right.’ But he is enthusiastic about taking the games to smaller venues, believing that the key to getting bigger crowds was targeting supporters with a 50-mile radius of the venues.
“We can move the venues around. It should be the same honour for a club to host a interprovincial game as it is for the players to play in it! We haven’t exhausted every avenue yet. It’s my third year involved and I’m there for three more and then we’ll look at it. As long as I can continue to sell power tools, I’ll be sponsoring this.’’
: Hurling semi-finals: October 23 - Connacht v Leinster, Loughrea; Ulster v Munster, Casement Park; final - Nov 6, Boston; football semi-finals: Saturday October 29: Leinster v Connacht, Parnell Park (under lights); Sunday, Oct 30: Ulster v Munster, Crossmaglen.
: November 13, venue tbc.
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