BY RYAN FERRY
THE GAA’s National Head of Hurling, William Maher will hear of plans for the further development of hurling in Donegal when he visits the county this evening (Thursday).
Maher will be at the Donegal GAA Centre in Convoy at 7.30pm and a short-term list of goals will be outlined.
Seven new hurling units have been set up, with Ardara, Naomh Muire, St Michael’s, Glenswilly, Termon, Downings, and Killybegs all successfully applying for a hurling starter pack consisting of hurleys, helmets, sliotars, and additional training equipment.
Maher is delighted that Donegal clubs have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity provided and will meet with various stakeholders in Convoy.
Donegal Hurling Officer, Cormac Hartnett says that the county senior hurling team is in good stead but that a plan is needed to deal with obstacles clubs are encountering or there could be significant problems in five to ten years’ time.
“There are two main reasons for Willie’s visit,” said Hartnett.
“Croke Park introduced an equipment grant scheme to incentivise clubs to commence hurling.
“Seven clubs in Donegal now have new units so Willie is coming up to recognise those clubs.
“What they have done so far is immense and the feedback has been excellent. Most of them have set up hurling sub committees and coaching committees.
“We will be unfurling for them a list of supports that we will make available in a couple of different stages over the next number of weeks and months to ensure that they are giving the best possible chance to build on where they are at currently.
“The next stage of the evening is a presentation of the short-term plan for hurling in Donegal.
“There is an immediate need for key personnel to be appointed to look after the Academy, and the club and school link.
“We are looking at two or three new people at least within the Academy structure.
“Currently Marty McGrath is one of the hurling personnel in there and his role is overseen by Declan Bushell (Games Development Manager).
“We are looking to get a senior hurling coordinator/head of hurling in there who would in effect take control of the hurling side of things within the Academy, branching out into schools and clubs.
“We would like to have maybe two other key personnel appointed to assist with that, and assist Declan and Marty in their current roles.
“We are making representations to Croke Park for funding, and Willie Maher is aware of the application that will be made, and he will be very supportive of our position in terms of gaining funds to enable us to put those key personnel into place.
“We want to drive on with the issues that are there at the moment such as proper coaching within our national schools and the development of coaching within our secondary schools.
“We will look at the formulation of amalgamated teams who could enter into Ulster school competitions, and we want to make sure we can create proper space for Go Games Fixtures.
“It’s also important to stress that very much in our plans is providing support for the existing ten clubs who are facing challenges at underage.”
