Jobs placement appeal for U-21 hurlers

 

WITH Clare hurling enjoying unprecedented success with a second All-Ireland U-21 title in four years, County GAA Board chairman, Michael O’Neill, has appealed to the business community to help prevent a player drain.

He was speaking at the civic welcome by Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council, attended by several thousand supporters in Ennis on Sunday evening.

Each player received a rousing cheer when introduced. A special cheer was reserved for team captain Conor McGrath when he hoisted the Cross of Cashel Cup at the reception.

Michael O’Neill said, “It’s important for us that these players continue to be available to Clare teams.”
He urged local employers to keep them in mind for any job vacancies.

Joint team manager Gerry O’Connor supported the chairman’s appeal, as he paid tribute to the players for their efforts during the year.

Donal Moloney, joint manager, spoke of the courage the players showed at half-time to respond to the position they were in when knocked back by a few Kilkenny scores.

The joint managers had a special word of thanks for Adrian McGrath, a Scariff native based in Cork, who trawled the country to get information on other teams and Tralee IT-based Ciarán McCabe “whose strength and conditioning work with the squad during the closed season was hugely important”.

It was the second time in three years the Cross of Cashel Cup was proudly displayed in Ennis and captain, Conor McGrath, and his teammate, Patrick O’Connor, had been part of the 2009 squad also.

Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Daly and Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Peter Considine both paid tribute to the team and their backroom team.

“This display by Clare was truly magnificent and has shown the entire country that we are able to compete with the best inter-county sides,” stated Mayor Daly.

He paid a special tribute to joint managers, Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor, who had demonstrated huge passion and determination to drive on this young side ever since their heartbreaking experience of losing the All-Ireland minor final to Kilkenny two years ago.

Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Peter Considine also congratulated the players and their management team on their magnificent feat.