Jimmy Walsh: Success of elite schools hits Kilkenny player development

Kilkenny GAA secretary Jimmy Walsh believes the success of a small number of secondary schools in the county is having a profoundly negative impact on the development of young hurlers between the ages of 14 and 18.

In his report to convention, Walsh outlines how several rural colleges are struggling to field a hurling team, due to the ability of successful schools to attract players from well outside their catchment areas — 11 different clubs were represented on this year’s St Kieran’s All-Ireland winning senior team.

The famed Kilkenny nursery has achieved All-Ireland senior glory on four occasions since 2010, while Kilkenny CBS contested the All-Ireland decider on three occasions during this period.