Kelly backs minnows’ contest

GAA president Sean Kelly has insisted that the secondary competition for GAA minnows will go ahead next month, despite the Championship withdrawals of the Kerry hurlers and Tipperary footballers.

Croke Park’s GAC will decide on possible sanctions for both counties this weekend, with the Association’s management committee also planning to debate the issue.

However, despite claims from director general, Liam Mulvihill, that the crowded inter-county programme is reaching “boiling point”, Mr Kelly said that the GAA would press on with the competition, introduced to give early casualties in the Championship an opportunity to extend their season.

It will involve a maximum of four games, up to and including the final in August.

“There is every incentive for the designated counties to give this Cup their full attention,” the president maintained.

“In the first instance, it is an All-Ireland trophy,” said Mr Kelly. “Secondly, the final is scheduled for Croke Park alongside the All-Ireland football semi-final on August 22, and finally, there is a trip to Boston for the winners, to take on a North American selection.”

He said there was an acute sense of the fixture difficulties within counties, but stressed that games in this yet-to-be-named competition could be played during the week.

“The whole concept is aimed at ambitious counties who want to progress for the future.

“It was universally welcomed at Congress, and I would urge counties involved to give it their full commitment.”