Fears grow at lack of ‘serious’ hurling contenders

THE GAA cannot afford to allow the All-Ireland hurling championship become “the preserve of a small number of teams,’’ according to Director General, Páraic Duffy.

At the launch of his annual report yesterday, Duffy admitted concern that the number of counties deemed “serious contenders” for honours has diminished in recent years.

Pointing out that the Hurling Development Committee (HDC) had devoted much of its time to reform of the structure of the All-Ireland championship, Duffy says the focus now must be on the broader development of the game.