‘Apalled and shocked’ as Duhallow Juveniles blocked from county
A ruling that will ultimately see no Duhallow divisional hurling team compete in the Premier Rebel Óg county juvenile hurling grades roused comment from a neutral source at the County Convention in Nemo Rangers last Sunday.
Carbery vice-chairman Tommy Lyons expressed acute disappointment that Duhallow were refused entry to the 2016 Premier U-14 hurling grade, likewise for the U-16 side in 2017 and the same applies in 2018 at minor level.
“I’m appalled and shocked at such treatment to Duhallow, given their terrific work over the years on unearthing great teams and players. We need to get our act together and promote hurling across the county,” he said.
Duhallow Secretary Tony McAulliffe voiced concern at the run of events.
“Our U-14s weren’t allowed participate in 2016, they were viewed as the springboard for success. It’s a detrimental step towards competing at top level,” he said.
However, County Board chairman Ger Lane wasn’t keen to rule on the matter and cut the exchanges short. “The issue is a matter for Duhallow and Rebel Óg, that’s their business to resolve,” he said.
The subject of players having to line out for divisional teams within a day or two of key club games roused comment, with Carbery’s Tommy Lyons critical of the schedule that saw Avondhu, Carbery, Muskerry and Duhallow feel the brunt of demanding schedules.
“A player having to play two championship games in two days is desperately unfair and the practice should not be happening,” he said.
County Board chairman Ger Lane acknowledged the dilemma of divisions yet said the Board had to adhere to a programme of fixtures.
“Now we have more club teams in our championships and I cannot see any great change in 2017,” he said.
Freemount delegate John O’Flynn expressed concern at the elevation of teams to intermediate ranks after Treasurer Pearse Murphy outlined a slight increase in gate receipts.
“At last year’s convention, we were shocked to see 10 teams given a free pass to intermediate hurling grade, that’s increased now to a total of 27 teams. Overall there were 55 more games added to the 2026 county programme but it’s a case of taking money from the divisional coffers, very much robbing Peter to pay Paul,” he said.
Chairman Lane saw the increase catering for large urban centres to participate at a higher level.
“Yes, some of the games were one sided, maybe some teams were finding their feet. However, it’s part of a four-year programme but a mid-term review takes place next autumn,” he said.