FORMER Derry hurler Ruairi Convery has called for Croke Park to host all National League finals in both hurling and football codes moving forward.
There was widespread criticism of the GAA’s scheduling of hurling’s lower tier deciders at provincial venues this weekend with Derry’s Division 2B final against Sligo set for Ederney this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Armagh and Tyrone - teams Convery has met this season in his role as Louth senior team trainer - will convene at Owenbeg in the 3A showpiece.
“Why not give the lower tier hurling finals the same prestige as the football finals and play them at Croke Park?” the Swatragh man said.
“Why not give those players more exposure because they train as much as every other senior county team?
“I played in a League final with Derry against Kerry in the middle of nowhere in Roscommon and there was nobody there from Croke Park to present the trophy.
I really think they need to look at these things.
“It goes back to the respect thing and getting big days out. If you’re a 12- or 13-year-old and watching your county getting to a League final and it’s not in Croke Park, where is the incentive? All that does is suggest that it’s a second class sport.
“I go back to Ring or Rackard Cup finals years ago, they were live on TV. We need young lads to see their county and have them wanting to follow in the players’ footsteps.
“It’s about building that prestige and exposure around the players because they deserve it. They’re training three times per week on the pitch and then in the gym a few times - they’re out four or five nights, the same as every other team.”
