The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
A number of Clare GAA clubs have informed the county board that they are in a position to enter extra teams for the 2021 season.
This week’s meeting of club delegates heard applications from six clubs to enter third teams at adult level, with Scariff and Crusheen among the hurling clubs applying for permission for the move.
Last year’s Junior B football champions St Breckan’s informed the board that they were seeking permission to enter a team at the grade again this year, meaning that they would be competing at senior, Junior A and Junior B. North Clare neighbours Ennistymon also indicated that they have sufficient playing numbers to field at those three grades, while Lissycasey and Clondegad were in a similar position.
Former board treasurer Bernard Keane described those applications as being hugely positive, with the board’s Competitions Control Committee set to review the names submitted for regrading as part of the process.
It was also noted that a number of players from 17-19 years old, who would be affected by the changes to the minor and U-21 gradings, would be involved with these teams. Sixmilebridge delegate Christy Murray stated that everything must be done to ensure those in that cohort continue playing Gaelic Games, outlining that “even if they only playing for apples, we have to keep them playing”.
Meanwhile, a decision on running competitions at either U-19, U-20 or U-21 will be discussed at the next board meeting.
Delegates heard that committees for both hurling and football had been gathering thoughts from those clubs in relation to the gradings, but further discussions will be held at the March meeting of the board.
It was also confirmed that Doonbeg GAA club will run the O’Gorman Cup once more in 2021, taking the competition into its sixteenth year. It is played in honour of Doonbeg stalwart and former Clare GAA President John O’Gorman, who passed away in 2005. Lissycasey are the current holders and will be bidding for third consecutive title this year.
