*Adrian O’Connor.
KILRUSH’s decision to enter a U15 hurling team has been labelled a “Trump move” by a Kilkee/Bealaha hurling coach.
Adrian O’Connor of Kilkee/Bealaha was very strong in his criticism of Kilrush’s attempts to try field an U15 hurling team.
Speaking at the March meeting of Clare GAA held on Tuesday night, O’Connor voiced his club’s concerns at the development. He equated the move with that to something the West Clare hotelier and US President, Donald Trump would when describing the development as “a Trump move”.
O’Connor stated, “This is a solo run by Kilrush and it raises child safety issues”. He told the meeting, “Kilkee/Bealaha have been developing hurling back there and for the past two years I have been training these lads. I promised that we would fulfil all fixture last years which we did. Parents have been ringing me saying that their boys at eleven years of age will not play under 15 with Kilrush. I found out through a phone call that this was happening and I want to know how this can happen. It’s insane and it’s just because one person wants to do this”.
“If Clondegad decided to enter a hurling team what would happen,” he questioned in reference to the high amount of isolated players from the football club who hurl with Ballyea.
He continued, “that club is struggling with its own code. I know that because I have been inside it. The County Board should have called a meeting, brought the two clubs together and say this can’t happen. We are back to square one. We have to start all over again”.
Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating explained, “once a player is twelve he is eligible for under 15 and it isn’t a child safety matter. I want to see every club playing hurling and football. Clubs should be playing both codes. I don’t think stopping this happening is something the county board should have a part in. The first I heard of this was that Kilrush had entered a team and, on the face of it, I thought this is great, there are more hurlers in West Clare”.
In response, O’Connor flagged, “they are exactly the same players I have trained for the past two years”.
Keating pointed out, “They can’t go as isolated players if there is hurling in their club”. His comments came after O’Connor said they will not accept ‘assisted players’.
Sixmilebridge delegate P.J. Fitzpatrick asked “is there a possibility of arranging a meeting between Kilrush and Kilkee/Bealaha on this issue” to which board chairman Kieran Keating replied “I will take it on”.
