Slaney U21 selector reveals fury at board

A WEXFORD hurling official has launched a scathing attack on his own county board.

U21 selector, Paul Dempsey, launched a broadside against chiefs claiming they had “not got a clue how to promote the game or look after county teams”.

Dempsey was furious after the board failed to provide his side with complimentary tickets for Sunday’s NHL Division Two final against Clare, hours after his side played the Banner in a challenge near Semple Stadium, which hosted the decider.

However Model County bosses insist that they attempted to get free tickets for the players but the request was turned down by Croke Park.

A furious Dempsey last night claimed the incident was symptomatic of the board’s relationship with players and management.

Dempsey blasted: “Rory Murphy who acts as our team coordinator requested passes for the U21 team to attend the league final. We were playing Clare in a challenge game in The Ragg earlier in the afternoon and we saw this as a way to demonstrate to the squad our commitment to them and also our efforts to promote the game of hurling.

“On Saturday, Rory contacted county officers regarding a venue for a team meal. He was told a venue, but told no passes would be available. We made a decision following the meal to leave Thurles, go home on the team bus, and watch the game on TV on the way home.”

Dempsey added: “Our county board has not got a clue how to promote the game or look after county teams. As a team management we are doing our best. I was with the minors last year and have just about enough of them (the board). An obstacle, no matter what the request, is always been placed in the way of progress. The biggest problem with hurling is not the players or the team management but the board.

“We had two players who gave up night work last Friday, with the resultant loss of wages, just to attend a training session. The majority of our squad are students and simply have not got the money. We thought the complimentary tickets would have been a great boost to the players, for they are the seniors of tomorrow.”

But last night Wexford GAA chairman Ger Doyle said the board attempted to facilitate the request.

“We did try secure tickets for the U21s but we couldn’t get free tickets from the GAA at Croke Park. We are offered tickets at a reduced rate and the word came back that they (the U21 panel) wouldn’t pay it.

“We looked after them, with bus hire, meals, etc. We have a very good rapport with out teams whether it be football or hurling. I have written to Croke Park to express my disappointment at their inability to provide us with free tickets. Semple Stadium can accommodate 50,000 spectators but there were only 14,500 at the game on Sunday.”