Cavan exit puts pressure on to finalise development plan

GAA President Christy Cooney admits the GAA’s need to finalise a hurling development plan has intensified following the decision of Cavan to withdraw from this year’s Lory Meagher Cup.

Speaking at the launch of the 12th annual FBD All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge, Cooney said that he understood the challenge facing counties such as Cavan at grassroots level in their attempts to develop hurling.

Cooney said: “You know the views I expressed in Congress in my address and the challenges that face counties like Cavan. I believe they need to build it (hurling) at club level. I would have envisaged that the likes of Cavan wouldn’t have played in the league early in the season, probably wouldn’t have played in the Ulster Championship, but would build their club scene and try and create a team to play in the Lory Meagher.