O’Sullivan: We must stop rural rot

Rural depopulation is a serious threat to the future viability of many clubs throughout Kerry and particularly in the south of the county, Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan warned at last night’s annual convention at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel in Tralee.

“Players transferring to overseas clubs since the downturn in the economy have affected clubs in rural areas to such an extent that many fear they will be unable to field teams unless some radical solutions are found,’ he said.

Reminding delegates that an examination of the problem indicated ‘a very serious situation evolving at a rapid rate in the most rural areas,’ Mr O’Sullivan said that Association President Liam O’Neill and Munster chairman Sean Walsh attended a meeting in Cahersiveen where they heard ‘heart-rending’ contributions from club officials and members.