A shocking level of apathy.
All-Ireland semi finals aren’t something you’d imagine any GAA player, at any grade, would be able to turn their nose up at.
So we’re a bit surprised at the reports emerging from Antrim today ahead of this weekend’s All-Ireland U21 hurling semi against Wexford, in Thurles.
Reports in recent weeks had suggested that things were not going so well in the Antrim camp. That suspicion has been confirmed by manager Kevin Ryan today.
The Ulster side’s manager has hit out at his own sides preparation for Saturday’s clash in Semple Satdium. He feels that clubs within the county are the reason that his side are ‘in for a massive hiding’ at the weekend according to today’s The Irish News
Waterford native Kevin Ryan spoke to the press this week ahead of the all-Ireland semi final and admitted his side have had only one proper training session since their Ulster final win over Down back in July.
“There are a dozen or so of those U21 lads who are really up for it, but to actually get them together for training has been difficult. Even to try and arrange a few matches – you can’t get teams in the county to play you. We played one game, against Portaferry, and that’s about it.”
“We’re in for a massive hiding this weekend. I’ve no problem in saying that. It’s so annoying that we couldn’t get the four weeks of preparation done.”
“But that’s the way it is, that’s the way the structures are, that’s the way the clubs’ attitudes are.”
The former Carlow manager is leaving his role as Antrim senior and U21 manager after this season. He feels the county needs to examine if there is any point in entering the All-Ireland series in future:
“Even just trying to train these under 21s for an All-Ireland semi-final, it really hits home,
“There is so little interest in this game, it’s unbelievable. It’s so frustrating and annoying to be honest with you.”
Antrim beat Wexford two years ago to reach the All-Ireland final, where they were beaten by Clare. However Ryan feels that there is simply not enough desire among GAA players and clubs in the county to really make an impact at U21 level.
“My honest feeling is we don’t deserve to be in the competition.
“When I look at Waterford, Tipperary, Clare and teams like that and what they’ve put into their under 21s, and then to look at how we’re treating an All-Ireland semi-final, there is something not right about.
“If I had my way I would put a massive amount into the under 21s right at the start of the year and have a serious go at it, make the fixtures around it.
“But if you asked me right now to reflect on it, there is just so little interest – bar one or two people on the board, the backroom team and those dozen players – it’s a nuisance for everyone else. It just gets in the way.”
https://twitter.com/downdepairc/status/634291618720423936
Here’s more on that Kevin Ryan/Antrim U21 preparation story from @ATownNews. pic.twitter.com/CWNJsRTSVh
— GAA Talk Podcast 🎙️ (@GAAtalkpodcast) August 20, 2015
It’s a pretty sad state of affairs and we really hope that Saturday doesn’t turn into a humiliation for everyone concerned.
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