Connacht chief Naughton warns of rural depopulation battle

THE GAA must address rural de-population, and should consider reducing 15-a-side games in some competitions, the new chairman of the Connacht Council, Paddy Naughton, told annual convention in Castlebar last night.

While the population of the country had increased by almost 500,000 in a period of four years up to the 2006 census, he said that the number of players available in some small rural clubs had plummeted. “Six out of every 10 people live in urban areas,’’ he said. “County development plans have been put in place and you and I as members of Cumann Luthchleas Gael have not made submissions to support rural development for the families of rural dwellers.

“Movement in population has created difficulties for both rural and urban clubs. County Games Committees must be innovative in planning their fixtures. They must consider reducing the 15 a-side in some competitions and allow amalgamations in others.’’