Hurling & Camogie

Leinster GAA chairman Horan praises pre-season tournaments

Antrim hurlers in a huddle at their Walsh Cup match against UCD. Picture by Philip Walsh
Antrim hurlers in a huddle at their Walsh Cup match against UCD. Picture by Philip Walsh Antrim hurlers in a huddle at their Walsh Cup match against UCD. Picture by Philip Walsh

LEINSTER GAA Chairman John Horan has responded to recent media criticism of the Bord na Móna Walsh Cup and defended the important role that it plays within the Association and in terms of team preparation.

Horan commented: “It is important to again place on record the important role that our January competitions play within our Association.

“The Walsh Cup was established in 1954 and together with the Kehoe Cup senior hurling competition and the O’Byrne Cup senior football competition they are collectively known as ‘the Accident Tournaments’.

“Money generated from the attendances at these games is used to address issues of hardship suffered by players, and by ordinary members of the GAA in Leinster.

“This work is done privately and without fanfare, but is an opportunity for Leinster GAA to play a role at helping out individuals and families in a time of need, whenever such a need arises and help is sought.

“Yet again in 2016 the money generated at games played throughout Leinster in the month of January maintains the fund used to assist members of the Leinster GAA family in any way that we can.”

Horan also argued that counties find the tournaments to be valuable preparation, saying: “Since the games have moved to the month of January, and aided by the sponsorship from Bord na Móna, the Accident Tournaments play a very important role in helping Leinster counties prepare for the start of the National Leagues.

“Such is the pressure for League points that the Walsh, Kehoe, and O’Byrne Cups are an invaluable opportunity for them to try out new players.

“For the hurlers of Dublin, Galway, Wexford, and Offaly the chance to play in the Bord na Móna Walsh Cup final at Croke Park later this month is a very real prize.

“Likewise the boost enjoyed by the footballers of Longford in their Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup win over All-Ireland champions Dublin is a significant event for them.

“Our thanks to all of those people who have turned out in such numbers despite the bad weather to support our January competitions.”