First call for Banty on college players
THE ISSUE of third level colleges having ‘first call’ on inter-county players for the early-year tournaments has become somewhat thorny in recent years. However, steps have been taken to deal with the situation, and it’s good news for Wexford Senior football manager Seamus McEnaney as he licks his lips at the prospect of getting into competitive action after the Christmas period with a trip to face All-Ireland champions Dublin.
Leinster Council officials have announced that third level colleges do not have first call on inter-county players from counties in Divisions 3 and 4 of the Allianz League. The only exception will occur if a player is in receipt of a college scholarship.
The colleges do have first call, up to a maximum of six players, on those from counties participating in Divisions 1 or 2.
Davy Fitzgerald will not be able to avail of the same regulation, because the colleges will have first call on up to six hurlers drawn from counties Wexford, Dublin, Kilkenny and Offaly.
There is a chink of light though, because after the round robin is completed, players who featured with their college may line out for their county in the semi-final and final, subject to their college not qualifying for the knockout stages.
There will be unlimited substitutions in both competitions, and the other item of interest in football will be that the ‘mark’ will be in operation. Will it encourage high fielding, will players making a catch opt to play on anyway, or if the ‘mark’ becomes a popular call will it lead to the game being slowed down? Questions, questions, and all will be revealed in January! The action will begin on Sunday, January 8, when both teams will be at home to U.C.D., so hopefully this will be a double-header.
On Wednesday, January 11, the footballers will host D.C.U., and then on the following Sunday they will be home to All-Ireland champions Dublin while the hurlers will travel to Carlow. The third game for Davy Fitzgerald and his crew will be home to the Dubs on Sunday, January 22.