Players threaten strike over UCD

GAELIC GAMES/Dublin Hurling controversy: The captains from seven leading Dublin hurling clubs have threatened a player strike if the county board does not remove UCD from the senior hurling championship.

Speaking on behalf of club players from Ballyboden St Enda's, Commercials, Craobh Chiaráin, Faughs, Kilmacud Crokes, O'Tooles and St Vincent's, the captains demanded all third level institutions be excluded next year.

"In particular, the players of the clubs in question will give serious consideration to their non-participation in the 2006 senior hurling championship should any third level institutions be re-invited," read a statement released last night.

In the aftermath of UCD's second successive county title - they have since progressed to the Leinster final, where they meet James Stephens this Sunday in Portlaoise - the players feel the students' presence is hindering hurling's progress in the capital.

"We would also like to acknowledge the work undertaken by these third level institutions in promoting Gaelic Games in their colleges and we wish them every success in all college competitions.

"However, we strongly believe that third level participation in the Dublin senior hurling championship is of no benefit to Dublin hurling.

"We eagerly await the Dublin County Board's response on this matter and look forward to a positive outcome that will satisfy genuine Dublin club hurlers."

The players expect club executives to support their stance, with motions to remove UCD from the Dublin championship expected at the next county board meeting on December 7th.

UCD director of sport Brian Mullins refused to make an official response on the matter last night until he had an opportunity to read the statement this morning.

The captains also hope to gain support from the Gaelic Players Association in the coming week.

Craobh Chiaráin and O'Tooles, who are the leading Dublin hurling clubs in recent times, initiated a meeting last Monday night to agree on a joint statement.

UCD have won the Dublin championship on eight occasions, first in 1934, but in more recent times clubs have been aggrieved by their presence mainly due to the quality of player produced by the hugely successful scholarship scheme.

Since the first hurling scholarship was awarded in 1997, UCD have won three titles. This year, 13 players from outside Dublin received a hurling scholarship.

Naturally, football clubs do not feel as threatened by the students presence in their championship, who have won only one title, in 2002, but the recent dominance in hurling is seen by new Dublin manager Tommy Naughton as detrimental to future progress.

"I don't think there is a place for them anymore. They are already in the Walsh Cup and have the Fitzgibbon as well. The pool that UCD pull from is something like 48 players and is much bigger than any club in Dublin. Also, the lay-out of the championship suits them.

"Mainly, I don't think its right for players to play in two championships. They should be made declare for one, otherwise you will have a situation where a player is marking himself on St Patrick's Day.

"What do you do then?"