Limerick, Farna out of Harty

TWO of the most famous hurling nurseries in Munster - Farranferris and Limerick CBS - have opted out of the Irish Examiner sponsored Dr. Harty Cup.

Both have dropped down to the “B” Corn Phadraig competition, citing lack of numbers and poor results at U-16 in 2003 as reasons.

Overall four schools have dropped out of the premier hurling competition. Scarriff and Colaiste an Phiarsaigh are the other two. The upside is that four new schools have entered, Coláiste An Spioraid Naoimh, St. Josephs (Borrisoleigh), Scol na Sionna and Douglas Community School.

Munster Colleges Servicing Officer Tom Colum said it was a big concern or the Council that two of its famous schools are no longer taking part in the Harty Cup.

“There are a number of contributory factors as I see it,” said Tom, “In years gone by, you didn’t have as many schools and pupils had to travel long distances for second level education. A typical example of this is that students in the Riverstown/Glanmire area used to travel to Midleton CBS. Now there are two secondary schools in those areas with the result that Midleton CBS has lost out on a lot of potential very good hurlers. A lot of new schools have sprung up in both Limerick and Cork cities, and parents are choosing schools closest to home.

“This is symptomatic of what has happened all over Munster and our traditional hurling schools are now suffering as a result. On the other hand the new schools are making great strides, but it’s a tragedy to be losing the likes of Farna and Limerick CBS, both of whom have a great history in the Harty Cup and produced some magnificent players.

“The Harty Cup continues to be a worry as, apart from two colleges, the standard is not great. There is a need for greater involvement by the clubs with the schools in terms of coaching which in turn would raise standards.

“The Corn Uí Mhuirí was excellent with a number of surprise results. Overall it has been a good year for Munster colleges. We played a total of 356 games, an increase of 50 on the previous year.”

The following are the various groups and first round draws for the senior hurling and football championship for the coming season:

DR. HARTY CUP:

Group A - Del La Salle (Waterford) v Colaiste na Deise; Colaiste Chriost Rí v Scol na Sionna; Youghal CBS a bye.

Group B - Doon SBS v Douglas CS; Avvey CBS v Our Ladys (Templemore); Midleton CBS a bye.

Group C - St. Flannans v Thurles CBS; North Mon v St. Josephs (Borrisoleigh).

Group D - St. Colmans v Cashel CS; Colaiste An Spioraid Naoimh v Kilmallock.

First round will be played on September 24.

CORN UÍ MHUIRÍ

Group A - Tralee CBS v An Dangean; IS Killorglin a bye.

Group B - St. Flannans v Colaistí Luimní; South Limerick a bye.

Group C - Colaiste na Sceilge v St. Brendans; Colaiste Choilm a bye.

Group D - Colaiste Chriost Rí v St. Fachtnas; Douglas CS a bye.

First round games will be played on October 8.