Hurling boss in 'back to basics' rallying call

GAA director of hurling Paudie Butler called on hurling enthusiasts to get back to the basics last night in the bid to spread the hurling gospel.

Butler was speaking at the National Hurling Forum and urged those present that honing the skills of a child, and getting them to hold their hurls properly - while a simple task - was fundamental to the development of the small ball game.

Concern was also expressed over the lack of games for club players in the summer months and that there was a strong argument for having separate weeks for football and hurling fixtures - to aid the dual player.

The forum was organised by the National Coaching & Games Development Committee under the chairmanship of Liam O'Neill, as the first step in the formation of a National Hurling Development Strategy.

Some 25 delegates from yesterday's event will now meet with the Hurling Development workgroup after Christmas in order to get further feedback and streamline ideas.

It is envisaged that the process will also see the work group engage with Co Boards to see what steps can be taken to improve the promotion of hurling on a local basis.