Leitrim vow to fight plan to cut five counties from Allianz Hurling League

Leitrim hurling captain Martin Feeney says the plan shows the GAA don’t care about the development of the game.

Thu, 09 Nov, 2023 - 16:27

John Fogarty

Leitrim hurling captain Martin Feeney has condemned the plan to cut them and four other counties from the Allianz Hurling League as proof the GAA don’t care about the development of the game.

Feeney confirmed the hurling panel representatives in Leitrim, Cavan, Fermanagh, Longford and Louth convened a meeting on Wednesday night where they declared their unanimous opposition to the plan and determination to see it rejected at Central Council next month.

The players were not consulted on the proposal and only learned via the media of its emergence having been put forward this weekend by the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC).

“The fact we’re being told we will only have championship in 2025 and no Allianz League games to prepare, the GAA are cutting off the lower tier and leaving us in limbo,” lashed Feeney. “It’s a big thanks to the GAA for that.

“It just shows that they don’t give a crap really about the lower tiers. It means nothing to them. It shows no respect and all they care about is the money.

“All of the players from all five counties and the management teams are completely against the proposal. It’s of no benefit to the development of hurling or the hard work that’s been done in the counties. It’s a kick in the teeth, really.

“They will really kill off hurling in the counties and you will see a huge drop-off of players if they take away the league from the counties and reduce the season for them to three months.”

Feeney added: “What we intend to do now is all our players reps will come together and link up closely with the Gaelic Players Association. You better believe we’re going to fight this proposal.”

The CCCC recommendation is for resources to be redirected to improving the game at club and under-age level in the counties but Feeney is sceptical. “It’s just a cost-cutting exercise dressed up as something else. All these counties are being asked to accept this policy when there is no concrete plan at all on how the money that’s saved would be spent. They list things as coaching and equipment but without a plan it’s not going to work.”

Leitrim only have two hurling club teams – Carrick and Glencar-Manorhamilton – and of their 2023 panel six of the 29 play for clubs outside the county but are fully qualified to play.

Feeney remarked: “One of the excuses used for this move was six of the 23 other players didn’t play in the county final this year but the reasons for why they were missing was never given.

“One was away on his honeymoon because the final date changed. Another injured his ankle in a football match weeks before. Another had concussion scares and was not allowed to play.

“Three other players had injured themselves in the lead-up to the final, one with a hamstring injury, one with a groin injury, one with a knee injury. Saying six didn’t play was just to make it look worse than it was.”