Clubs paying price of county success

THE ever-increasing demands at county level are doing irreparable damage to club structures, according to the secretary of the West Waterford Board, Anthony Walsh.

In his report to tomorrow night's convention in Dungarvan, Mr Walsh salutes the success of the county side in winning the Munster SHC title. But he also sounds a word of caution.

"There is understandable satisfaction when a player is selected to represent the county in whatever grade, but his duty to his club must not be diminished as a result," says Mr Walsh.

"Club championships were relegated to a back seat situation during the long days of last summer as the county pursued Munster and All-Ireland championship glory. It seems to me that the needs of the minority now determine the participation of the majority in the club championships."

Mr Walsh also has concerns over the underage format in the division.

Mr Walsh says the absence of additional clubs in their expanding environment, coupled with the amalgamation of a large number of clubs to field teams in the underage grades, and even the failure of some of their most tradition steeped clubs to fulfil championship fixtures, must be a grave cause for concern.

"Despite the extraordinary volume of work at underage level one must ask what becomes of so many young players after their underage playing days are over," says Mr Walsh.

"The number of minor teams has declined in this West Waterford division in recent time, and unless the present trend is speedily arrested the future remains far from secure."

For the first time in many years the board will be reporting a financial loss, with expenditure outstripping income by almost €1,540.

However, treasurer Eddie Cunningham will tell delegates that the loss is due entirely to a sizeable contribution which was made by the board this year towards further improvement works at Dungarvan's Fraher Field.

With all of the main outgoing officers being returned unopposed there will be only one contest - Kilrossanty chairman, Tony Coffey, standing for one of the three positions as representative to the county board against the outgoing trio of John Lyons (Tallow), Tomas O'Cadhla (Ring), and Paddy Walsh (Fourmilewater).

Ensured of another term in office are: chairman, Paddy Walsh (Colligan Rockies); vice-chairman, Tom Cunningham (Stradbally); secretary, Anthony Walsh (Colligan Rockies); assistant secretary, Pat Grant (Fourmilewater); registrar, Seamas O'Brien (Abbeyside/Ballinacourty).