Interpros can’t be allowed to die, insists Donnelly

RAILWAY Cup sponsor Martin Donnelly believes the ailing competition still has a future though GAA chiefs have suspended the competition this season.

Donnelly, who has pumped €600,000 into the interpros, revealed he was not consulted by Croke Park about their decision, rubber stamped at the weekend congress, not to proceed with the series this year.

“They didn’t say anything to me about it,” Donnelly said yesterday.

“Suspension is okay as long as the year is used to put a proper plan in place for the interpros.

“They couldn’t go on the way they were, because proper marketing and a proper place on the master fixtures plan has to be found for the competition.

“I know the players want the interpros, but this wasn’t their decision. This was taken at the top level, because there are people who don’t want the interpros anymore.

“However, as long as the players want to play for their provinces, it can’t be allowed to die,” he told The Clare People.

Donnelly, who has bankrolled the series since 2002, believes fixing the finals abroad has been a huge incentive for players to play in the competition.

“We had some great trips,” said Donnelly, “going to Boston twice, once with the hurlers and another time with the footballers. Rome was very good too, while he also went to Paris, Abu Dhabi and London. It gave a new dimension to the series, but that’s not enough.

“Now it’s up to Croke Park to take this year out and come up with a proper plan to ensure that the interpros can have a future.

“I know that the Ulster Council in particular are very strong believers in the competition and they won’t allow Croke Park to just leave things as they are.

“I’m confident that they can be save, but the will has to be there at the top level.”

And, Donnelly hasn’t ruled out renewing his sponsorship association with a revamped inter-provincial competition.

“If things are done right I would definitely look at it. I’m a strong believer in this.

“Playing for your province is a huge thing in other sports and enough players still want that outlet. That’s why the series has to be brought back.”