This article is from page 56 of the 2011-01-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 56 JPG
A SIXMILEBRIDGE proposal to put in place an individual or body with the responsibility of monitoring the welfare of players participating on county panels was the only motion to be passed unscathed at Thursday’s Bord na nÓg Iomaint Convention.
In order to counteract potential player burnout and nourish young talent, Sixmilebridge delegate Adrian Hogan outlined to delegates the need to set up such a committee and deal with players on a more personal basis.
“What we are looking to do is put more focus on the individual players and their individual welfare, and mind that player essentially on the county panel because everybody is trying to draw from the same player. Take the minors that went to Croke Park last year, you are going to have colleges, secondary schools and even the clubs themselves can be accused themselves at times of being selfish in wanting to play their own players. It should be looked at that there should be an officer or at least a role or responsibility somewhere there that the players themselves can liase with that person.
“It’s not necessarily something that needs to be elected tonight but at least that it would be considered in the future. Even if it was considered as part of the panel of selectors in the management team but there needs to be a liason officer between county, club, college and wherever the draw is on these players. Some of the players are dual playing and even play other sports outside of our code so it’s really to try and get an understanding and take care of that individual play- er so he’s not overworked.”
A Ruan motion to establish a ‘Games administration committee that will run all hurling competitions organised by Bord na nÓg Iomaint’ or essentially back-up for the county secretary in organising fixtures was deferred to the first meeting of the year where delegates can nominate people to help out.
A similar motion from Ruan to establish a Hurling Development committee was eventually withdrawn as it was felt that the development Squad Committee already catered for that role. However, outgoing chairman Sean O’Halloran, who set up that committee under his watch, welcomed the addition of more people who are interested in getting involved with the numerous development squads at Under 12,13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 levels.
“The people that have been involved over the past 14 or 15 months have given a commitment to stay for another 12 months and oversee the development and they are happy to do that but having said that, there is always room for additional people who have the same type of vision that they have for underage hurling. I have no doubt that if there are a people interested in coming on board, that would be more than acceptable once they have the same vision and a clear knowledge of where we are going and where we want to be in four or five years time in relation to underage hurling.”
Meanwhile, Kilmaley’s proposal for the Under 15 championship to be completes by the end of August was deferred to the structures committee meeting as it was felt that pasing the motion would tie the hands of the
board somewhat and limit flexabil
ity.