Kildare hurlers to return

Kildare’s hurlers will resume training tomorrow night after a dispute over costs for the season ahead came to an amicable conclusion.

The players have been kicking their heels for the past fortnight after manager Willie Sunderland, selectors Mattie Dowd and Don McSweeney, and coach Bertie Sherlock stood down in protest about the slashing of their budget by more than 30% on the previous season. Sunderland has since been in talks with county chairman, John McMahon and a statement was released on Saturday confirming the return of the entire management structure. “Agreement has been reached on all concerns raised by the management team,” read the statement.

It is understood McMahon has given a written commitment to providing the necessary training gear and equipment, physios, medical equipment and other basic requirements, bringing about an increase in the overall budget.