Connacht needs ‘centre of excellence’

THE establishment of a ‘centre of excellence’ in Connacht which would incorporate the needs of counties, clubs and schools, is a major priority, according to Council Secretary John Prunty.

And, pointing out that it would require generous funding from both the Central Council and the Government, he says that it would be ‘a tangible way’ for the Association to utilise the finance that will accrue from the renting of Croke Park for rugby and soccer.

According to Mr Prenty — writing in his report to next weekend’s annual convention in Roscommon — the centre would include at least five playing pitches. One of those fully-lit, with a synthetic surface, a sports hall, weights and conditioning room, laboratory, indoor and outdoor tracks.

“Such a facility in Connacht would lead to increased participation in our games, thus qualifying for funding under the Sports Capital Programme. There is a crying need for facilities that can be available on a year-round basis. As I write this report, over 50 games had to be cancelled this week due to the unavailability of any playing field.’’

In his view, they cannot continue in such a fashion if they are to ‘hold the interest’ of the young people playing their games.

He also expresses concern about the management and training of elite young players. For instance, the minor and U21 competitions at inter-county level are played at ‘a vital time’ in young players’ lives and impinge both on Leaving Certificate and Third Level examinations. Altering the age limit of these competitions would relieve the pressure on players and relieve the burden of so many games in springtime.

He agrees the provision of sufficient games for ‘ordinary club players’ during the summer months represents one of the GAA’s greatest challenges.

And, he warns that while the Special Congress ‘opened a window of opportunity’ to play club games in May, this has to be carefully monitored by county committees and fixture making bodies. “Is there a danger that clubs could be put of the championship before the summer comes?,’’ he asks.

“Will July and August be times of very little club football?”

*The Council had a surplus of €655,855 on a turnover of €3,735,384.

Gate receipts amounted to €925,480 — with increases of €55,983 from the senior football championship and €46,000 from the FBD league.

The biggest ‘gate’ was €475,932 for the Mayo versus Galway senior football final.