Hurling’s a wholly different ball game

Sir — For as long as I can remember, the GAA and its so-called experts have talked about promoting the games in the weaker counties. In counties with a soccer following, changing to Gaelic football is not that difficult. Kevin Moran, of Dublin, and Dave Barry, of Cork, would be two good examples.

However, hurling is a different story. If one does not grasp the skills at a young age, it is almost impossible to do so later on. It’s generally agreed that only eight counties have a chance of winning a hurling All-Ireland. Another half-dozen are “knocking on the door” and deserve credit for trying.

One of those counties is my native Kerry. Last Saturday, the All-Ireland Under 21 hurling final was played in Thurles. Limerick were winners, beating Kilkenny. The game was preceded by the ‘Special Under 21’ hurling final, between Kerry and Wicklow. Kerry won the game, and both of these games were televised by TG4.

However, in the results on RTE later that evening, not a mention was made of the Kerry-Wicklow game; not even the score. Marty Morrissey, the new guru of the GAA, was in full flight as he told the story of the Limerick-Kilkenny game — but not a mention of Kerry-Wicklow. So much for promoting the game in the weaker counties.

To add insult to injury, the Sunday Independent gave the briefest of mentions and listed it as ‘Special Under 21 football’!

Let me conclude by congratulating both Kerry and Wicklow; ye are both proud counties and deserve better.

Mike Kelleher, Tramore, Co Waterford