Interprovincial Hurling Championship NewsDespite repeated utterances from Croke Park that no other slot can be found for the Railway Cup on the GAA calendar, John Conran is the latest manager to come up with a feasible suggestion to improve the competition's profile.
Connacht host Leinster in the hurling final at Pearse Stadium tomorrow afternoon, before the first International Rules Test, but the Leinster coach has criticised the GAA for failing to drive the promotion of this once premier event.
Conran was asked if he believed the GAA are trying to kill off the interprovincials. "They seem to be trying to wash it away; it must cost a substantial amount but there is no reason why, with the correct investment in advertising and benefits of television rights, it cannot become more of a competition. Remember, the best hurlers in the country are taking part."
Conran believes the increase in floodlighting at grounds around the country could cater for an enlarged competition with the final to be televised live before a provincial club final.
"Why not play it on the undercard of the Leinster club final? It would be ideal. Football people don't follow hurling with as much passion.
"Also, the throw-in time is 4.45pm, while the International Rules doesn't get under way until 7.15pm so there may only be a few seagulls and crows in attendance. Galway people are keen followers of hurling but the match will be over a full hour before the main event.
"There is simply not enough imagination being used. With Martin Donnelly they have an excellent sponsor and now all it requires is a think tank of people who can improve the profile. If we are not going to do it right we are better off not having it at all."
The GAA certainly has the know-how to promote the series, if they choose to apply it. The marketing drive within the association has grown considerably in recent years with the International Rules series and the championships given huge advertising platforms.
"I don't think we're marketing it correctly," says Conran. "It's not on television, which is unfortunate. Instead, they are just trying to get it out of the way. It needs to be looked at in a more positive, proactive light.
"Players love playing in it, it is still an honour to represent one's province and the advent of lights should ensure a slot can be found for it. It can be marketed on its own.
"November would be an ideal time for an expanded version of the competition to be run off. October is taken up by too many county finals. There would be more players available as well in November."
Conran is without several Wexford stalwarts tomorrow as Damien Fitzhenry, Keith Rossiter and Rory McCarthy are attending the wedding of county team-mate Michael Jordan.
However, the elimination of Kilkenny champions James Stephens from their county championship means Jackie Tyrrell and Eoin Larkin are available. Conran has consequently made two changes from the convincing demolition of Ulster in the semi-final with Tyrrell replacing McCarthy and Larkin preferred over Gary Hanniffy at left wing forward, where his free-taking expertise can be utilised.
Two leading contributors in Kilkenny's march to the All-Ireland title this year, James "Cha" Fitzpatrick and Henry Shefflin, are unavailable because of commitments with their club Ballyhale Shamrocks.
Still, Conran has included nine Kilkenny players in his starting line-up, four from Offaly and two from Wexford - corner back Malachy Travers and midfielder Diarmuid Lyng.
Connacht, meanwhile, have again selected an all-Galway line-up that is widely regarded to be the start of the Ger Loughnane era. Loughnane has no official involvement with the panel, but the manager is Galway hurling board secretary John Fahey.
The Galway hurling panel, proper, under Loughnane will reconvene for pre-season training on November 7th so this fixture provides an ideal opportunity to impress the new manager.
Eugene Cloonan is named at full forward, while Diarmuid Cloonan and Mark Kerins return from two years of intercounty exile at centre back and centre forward respectively. The 2003 All-Ireland winning minor captain, John Lee, is another notable inclusion at wing back.
Shane Kavanagh and David Forde are in Australia but Ger Farragher, Niall Healy and Kevin Broderick have to be content with the replacements bench. Portumna players Ollie Canning and Damien Hayes are also expected to link up with the panel tomorrow and will also be among the replacements.
TEAM LINE-UPS
CONNACHT (all Galway): L Donoghue; D Joyce, G Mahon, T Óg Regan; D Collins, D Cloonan, J Lee; R Murray, D Tierney; I Tannian, M Kerins, A Kerins; K Burke, E Cloonan, F Healy.
LEINSTER: B Mullins (Offaly); M Travers (Wexford), J Tennyson (Kilkenny), J Ryall (Kilkenny); J Tyrrell (Kilkenny), R Hanniffy (Offaly), T Walsh (Kilkenny); Derek Lyng (Kilkenny), Diarmuid Lyng (Wexford); D Franks (Offaly), R Power (Kilkenny), E Larkin (Kilkenny); E Brennan (Kilkenny), J Bergin (Offaly), A Fogarty (Kilkenny).
