The future of laois hurling

[clonadmad]

Well, Mountrath do seem strong in all the B comps. Some fancy Port for the u15 B. In any case, Mountrath and Port. will be in the final.

I'd concur with you on that

Good to see both Port and St.Pauls continuing to hurl up the age grades

[clonadmad]

Good to see some progress in Mountrath. With all of the amalgamations and "temporary little arrangements" B competitions have become exceptionally weak however.
In the past you'd find at least 2 of the two bigger clubs in the B in any given year when they had a less talented group or small numbers.
For better or worse this doesn't happen any more and the B competitions have very few participants.
Still, all they can do is try to generate interest etc. and try to arrest the slide they are on.

What clubs have "temporary little arrangements" in the B at u13/15 or minor this year

The only one which can be accused of that is Na fianna whoshould have Ballyfin mountmellick and Clonaslee standing on their own in the b but they are hurling A in that amalgamation  this year?

[Keyser Söze]

No, I meant that clubs aren't standing alone and entering B competitions anymore, they are joining up (some long term and some temporarily) to hurl in A competitions instead. Not that teams are joining up and hurling in the B.
I can see that it wasn't worded very clearly.

[clonadmad]

No, I meant that clubs aren't standing alone and entering B competitions anymore, they are joining up (some long term and some temporarily) to hurl in A competitions instead. Not that teams are joining up and hurling in the B.
I can see that it wasn't worded very clearly.

I don't think it's a bad thing that clubs are ambitious and want to hurl A

It's better that than trying to duck A and win a handy cup in the B

I'd always be of the opinion better to be competitive in the A rather than winning the B if you could
At all in order to develop lads long term.

Short term amalgamations though should be addressed though,we have one this year as opposed to other years when you could have a plethora of them.

I'd also encourage a development competition at u11 and u13 for the football clubs where they have to put in hurling teams.

We need to broaden our hurling base,it's minuscule  in comparison to every other Liam mcCarthy county

[Keyser Söze]

Ye we have that discussion round & round every few weeks.
I have no problem with join ups that are sensible, necessary, sustainable and long term. I'd see the likes of RPG in those terms. In fact I'd encourage these.
I have made my feelings known on one grade or one year arrangements. If you want to do that to compete in the A, you should first have to show that it's not possible to compete on your own in the B. That has been my position for quite a while!
Starting to sound like my opinion carries clout, apologies, it most definitely doesn't! Not even in my own house!!

[Mad Mentor]

Congratulations to Abbeyleix on winning the Minor A hurling championship last night. This was probably the keenest contested championship for years and there are a lot of disappointed teams out there. Unlike most years, probably seven of the ten teams fancied their chances and it took a very good team to win it.
The focus will now turn to the county minor team who face Offaly on the 17th. There is huge competition for places on the starting team and hopefully they will go well.

[marty34]

Congratulations to Abbeyleix on winning the Minor A hurling championship last night. This was probably the keenest contested championship for years and there are a lot of disappointed teams out there. Unlike most years, probably seven of the ten teams fancied their chances and it took a very good team to win it.
The focus will now turn to the county minor team who face Offaly on the 17th. There is huge competition for places on the starting team and hopefully they will go well.

Is Derek Mc Grath still involved with the minors?

[Spiritof1915]

Derek mc grath still heavily involved. Offaly first if they get over that, then the winners of antrim/kildare which would lead them to a potential semi final against Dublin. This group have beaten all the major counties in leinster on the way up including kilkenny so with the talented panel involved its a real chance.
As regards the county final last night it was a real war of attrition and the Harps seemed to be affected  more by the 6 day turn around. The future is bright for both clubs

[SpeculativeEffort]

Underage is all about development and progressing these young players, creating a pathway to senior hurling, a lifelong attitude of trying to improve and enjoying the challenge. We would all love a successful minor team but lets not put too much pressure on these lads.

[clonadmad]

Anyone have details of the actual Panel?

[SCFC]

Certainly down one after Jim O'Connor had a bad knee injury last night in minor final.

[Zooming around]

Great game. It was very tense and everybody gave it everything. Great win for our lads who have improved steadily from u14 to minor. Didn't really figure in the shake up at u14 three years ago. Delighted for the lads over the team who have put in savage work. The style of play was really good to watch. The Harps drove a lot of wides and this seemed to drain their confidence. Also a couple of injuries impacted them. The dribbler did a good job reffing it too.

[Ogie]

Mad Mentor,
I would suggest you take down that video link, not sure where it was got or available but I know the management team, who I have been critical of, have put in massive work behind the scenes going to games, I don't think we should hand this to Offaly to study

[Zooming around]

Jayz I think I'd take down that video. Not so sure its a good idea to be putting that up online for all other counties to view.

[redsetanta]

Waterford probably put it up online.