I don't agree with the bed hopping going in at under age in Laois. Young lads could be playing together at U13 with an amalgamation and then against each other on their own at U15.
If a club has enough, even if it's a bare 17 to 20 lads I personally think it's better for them to stay on their own for the bigger picture. Yes they might not win silverware or much games, but you'll keep lads getting game time. If they amalgamate with another club the finger players don't get games and drop off. And what do you get after the amalgamation ends that year??? A potential loss of players.
I get it lads want to win, but there's lad (including myself) who could count on one hand what medals won under age. But the memories of plying with your own club and the fun on the bus going to matches, the shop after it will never be forgotten. I think that gets lost with the want to win. We can't all win
If a club has enough, even if it's a bare 17 to 20 lads I personally think it's better for them to stay on their own for the bigger picture. Yes they might not win silverware or much games, but you'll keep lads getting game time. If they amalgamate with another club the finger players don't get games and drop off. And what do you get after the amalgamation ends that year??? A potential loss of players.
I get it lads want to win, but there's lad (including myself) who could count on one hand what medals won under age. But the memories of plying with your own club and the fun on the bus going to matches, the shop after it will never be forgotten. I think that gets lost with the want to win. We can't all win