Quinn: Ulster had not done enough preparation

Inadequate preparations contributed to Ulster’s downfall in their inter-provincial hurling championship semi-final against Munster on Sunday, according to Antrim secretary Frankie Quinn.

He believes the competition should now be accommodated when the latter stages of the All-Ireland championship have been reached. Quinn, a former Ulster hurling development officer, suggests changes in the fixtures structures are necessary if the inter-pro series is to retain credibility.

“The Ulster side were only able to have one meaningful training session for this game for a variety of reasons,” said Quinn.

“That is certainly not adequate preparation for confronting a team like Munster which is packed with household names. I think the timing of the inter-provincial series is wrong and Ulster’s situation was not helped by the fact the Loughgiel players were not available to manager Gregory O’Kane.”

While his suggestion that the inter-pros should be moved to a late summer slot will trigger debate, Quinn is emphatic in declaring the change is necessary.

“Only a few teams will be involved in the action then and it should still be possible for the provinces to field decent sides,” said Quinn.

“I will go further and express my belief that the All-Ireland club championship should be completed within the one calendar year. Teams are preparing for the Allianz League in February and don’t want their players to risk injury playing for their provinces and you can’t blame them for that.”