Kelly voices concern over player burnout

Waterford hurler Eoin Kelly has called on the GAA to address the question of fixture congestion and burnout. Although he was speaking at the launch of the Martin Donnelly interprovincial competitions, the comments were timely in that the GAA today launch their proposals for the rationalising of the intercounty championships and measures to counter burnout.

Asked if he felt there were too many matches in the championship he agreed and referenced Waterford's three successive weekends in action, playing Cork twice in a replayed All-Ireland quarter-final and Limerick, who surprisingly defeated them in the semi-final.

"There was. I'm not making excuses - Limerick beat us fair and square - but the second game against Cork probably killed us. We probably needed a week's break but the powers that be don't really care as long as they get the crowd.

"To play three games in three weeks was scandalous. But that happens. That's sport and we don't begrudge Limerick getting to the final but it would have been good to have a week off."

Speaking about the impact on players of too many fixtures Kelly claimed that county and former club team-mate Ken McGrath was currently suffering from a serious injury.

"Ken McGrath at the moment has a career-threatening injury just from over training. That (over-activity) probably cost us in the Cork games this year. They have to do something about it.

"If they're not going to do anything about it, pay the players and make it worthwhile. There's too many games and players are going to get burned out."

Asked about the nature of McGrath's injury, Kelly admitted he wasn't certain of its extent.

"I think it's the pubic bone and he needs a year's rest. So I heard anyway. But it is a serious injury and he didn't play for Mount Sion yesterday because I was at the match and he won't hurl for the rest of the year."

Contacted about the extent of the injury, Waterford manager Justin McCarthy said that as far as he was aware the injury wasn't as severe as suggested.

"I don't know the precise nature of it but we're hopeful that it won't be too serious and I don't think it's that long term. That's exaggerated. He's good to get over injuries and take the relevant advice.

"He needs plenty of rest and I don't think he'll be able to play for the club, which I know is very serious for them but he should be okay if he rests up."

Kelly echoed the frustration of players at the continuing inability of the Government to agree with the GAA a means of distributing a promised €5 million of welfare grants to players.

"I suppose we're living in Ireland and never do anything easy, do we? The money is there but there's all this humming and hawing about it. Can they not sit down and sort it out and get the few quid?"