DERRY’S hurling team “could be the best in the province” if the players are put centre-stage, believes Oak Leaf secretary Danny Scullion.
In his wide-ranging report to the county’s annual convention, Scullion pointed to the example of Mayo’s Keith Higgins and asked that the clubs get behind new manager Collie McGurk as the Oak Leafers look to get over a winless 2016.
Under Tom McLean, who guided them to the Christy Ring Cup final the year previous before losing a host of experienced players, they found themselves relegated to Division 2B and the Nicky Rackard Cup.
A number of players from various clubs have opted not to commit to the county scene in recent years. Several of Derry’s best hurlers have played county football in recent years, namely the like of Chrissy McKaigue, Brendan Rogers and Sean Leo McGoldrick.
“I would ask that all our clubs get behind our county hurling teams,” said Scullion.
“There is no doubt that Derry hurling could be the best in the province if there was greater cooperation and a common sense approach, where players are put centre-stage.
“It is not an easy task to achieve a balance but where there is a will a way can often be found. One only has to look at the example of Mayo’s Keith Higgins who played in the majority of Mayo’s Nicky Rackard Cup games and also in the All-Ireland senior football final.”
He also appeared to pour cold water on speculation Celtic Park may be used to host Derry City’s home games in the Airtricity League next season.
The club’s Brandywell Stadium will be closed for the entire campaign as it undergoes a redevelopment, leaving the Candystripes needing to find temporary accommodation.
The close proximity of Celtic Park to the Brandywell - the two share the Lonemoor Road in the city - and its inclusion in the IRFU’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup has led to reports that Derry GAA’s home may be opened.
Even in the event that Derry GAA was happy to open its doors, any decision would have to go before the GAA’s central council, which would be likely to reject any such proposal.
Scullion noted in his report: “People should remember that Derry GAA is just one unit within a national association and that it is not within our gift to determine policy on the use of GAA grounds for non-association sports.
“These are issues which require careful and considerate thought within a national context.”
