Prenty says interpros no loss

CONNACHT Council secretary John Prenty has dismissed the future of the interprovincial competitions by suggesting their absence from last year’s fixtures calendar barely registered with the public.

In his report to the province’s annual convention, Prenty wrote: “As a point of information the interprovincials were not played this year. Did anybody notice?”

The Railway Cup competitions will be up for discussion at the next Central Council meeting in April along with Congress, both of which will be held in Mullingar.

Prenty also told counties complaining about the reduction of seniorpanels from 30 to 26 to take a look at themselves before blaming others.

“Another burning issue with counties again concerns a motion passed at Congress, i.e. that county senior team parties are confined to a team party of not more than 26 players.

“Since the beginning of the year and in the run-up to the Allianz Leagues, in particular, counties have come to fully realise what they voted for at Congress. There are only passes for 26 players issued and this will continue into the championship. What you sow is what you reap!”

Prenty warned the four Connacht counties who have not yet formed strategic plans will be put under “extreme pressure” by the Council to finalise them as soon as possible.

Along with Mayo, who are set to vote on a strategic action plan in a couple of weeks, Sligo, Galway and Roscommon have yet to devise a blueprint for the medium term as has been directed by Croke Park.

“To date, Leitrim are the only county that has published and are implementing a strategic plan,” wrote Prenty.

“Despite several reminders and meetings with the other four counties we still do not have an agreed county strategic plan on the table. For the past two years this has been flagged as a priority and it is most disappointing that plans have not come to fruition. I know the four remaining counties are working on their plans but it is time to shorten the long finger and we will be putting pressure on all involved to have the plans produced within weeks.”

Prenty also emphasised the importance of the establishment of a centre of excellence in Bekan outside Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, which is at an advanced stage of construction.

“This is the most necessary project the council has ever embarked upon and if anyone doubts the need for the centre it is worth reminding ourselves that the council could not source a pitch within the province to play the Connacht Junior club hurling final and had to bring Bearna/Furbo and St Mary’s to Breffni Park, Cavan, to play the game.

“Also three games in this year’s FBD League had to be postponed because of weather conditions.”