Secretary blasts Limerick no-show

MUNSTER Council secretary Pat Fitzgerald has slammed Limerick for not fielding a team in this year’s Waterford Crystal SH Trophy.

Under new manager Donal O’Grady, the Shannonsiders elected not to play in the provincial pre-season competition as they felt their fitness wouldn’t be up to the mark.

However, in his report to annual convention, Limerick native Fitzgerald expressed disappointment in the county board given how much the provincial council have supported them in recent times.

“It is the right of any county not to participate and that point is not at issue,” acknowledged Fitzgerald.

“In fact, over the last few years, other counties have opted out for reasons of holidays and because of internal reasons a panel could not be put together. However, the case of Limerick this year is very different from those others mentioned as they played many challenge games during the period concerned.

“The Management and Finance Committee of the Council and indeed the Council itself have strongly supported Limerick in recent times in particular in its recent refurbishment of the Gaelic Grounds and feel a little disappointed that the scenarios as outlined were allowed to happen.”

Fitzgerald also took umbrage with the 2010 All Star selectors’ failure to include John Galvin in their team and remarked the oversight proves the selection process for the awards has to be reviewed.

“I usually do not single out any player but it must be said that how anyone looking at our championship games and examining the performances of John Galvin of Limerick could believe he was not worthy of an All Star is beyond belief and certainly brings a question mark into the voting structure for these awards.”

Meanwhile, Fitzgerald has suggested the Munster SHC Cup should be named the Mick Mackey Cup in honour of the famous Limerick hurler. “Growing up on the Limerick/Tipperary border (Limerick side), I heard many stories on the exploits of Mick Mackey. These tales, some embellished no doubt, all agreed that Mick, while second only to Ring, was indeed a master of his art and a credit to his family, club, county, and the game itself. We now have four All-Ireland Senior Championship competitions. None named after this master hurler despite a proposal from the committee which recommended this structure. This forgotten giant, deserves better than this. Maybe it is time to bite the bullet at provincial level and name our senior hurling championship cup after this great sportsman."