Hurling must be 'promoted, nurtured'

IF HURLING was a "small bird or a snail" there would be millions of euro spent by the Government and the EU on its preservation, Tipperary GAA bosses believe.

County secretary Michael O'Brien will tell convention on Sunday that hurling needs to be encouraged and promoted in the counties where it is weak but alive, and nurtured carefully in the counties where it is vibrant."

Described as "Ireland's gem" by association president, Sean Kelly, Mr O'Brien claims the code is not as strong in some counties as heretofore, while in others "it has become almost extinct."