Waiting game for under-age county teams
As the majority of inter-county panels return to training this week (some have never stopped), the country's under-20s and minors remain in limbo as the Government has only allowed for the return of senior panels to prepare for leagues and championships.
That decision to further restrict under-20 and minor players has caused huge frustration amongst that particular cohort of players and management and Meath under-20 boss Bernard Flynn fears that the decision to keep those players under tight restrictions will have a negative effect.
Last week the GAA rolled out its proposed masterplan for senior inter-county teams and clubs up to next February, but there was no mention of the under-20s getting an opportunity to start their campaigns or of LAST YEAR'S provincial finals in minor as Meath still wait to play Offaly in the Leinster final.
Conscious that so many young men have missed out on so much already over the last 13 months Flynn feels that it would be disasterous if they are not given some idea of a timeline for a return to play by the GAA.
Minors can return to train from 26th April in pods of 15 for non-contact drills, but the under-20s remain ignored.
“It’s been well-documented what this age group has lost out on, between college, Leaving Cert and so on,” said Flynn.
“So when there was a chance, why did they leave them on their own and not make some announcement? Why did they differentiate with what is a vulnerable group?
“So the only group left out of this was under-20. Why did they isolate them? If Croke Park switch off the lights for these young lads, it will, in my opinion, be disastrous. Everyone else got something from it. They could lay out when the club is going ahead, yet that comes under the same level as under-20.
“This was the day they were all watching and they are the only group that have been left out. Maybe the hierarchy are not aware but if that’s the case, it’s worse.”
Flynn also tweet his disgruntlement at the decision and received support from other under-20 managers.
"How in the name of God can you tell a 16/17 year old kid it's ok to go back training on the 26th April but you tell a 18/19 year old he can’t. PURE LUNACY," tweeted Flynn.
Derry under-20 boss Paddy Bradley backed Flynn and replied to the tweet "Unbelievable Bernard. These fellas left in limbo. Disgraceful."
Cavan under-20 manager Damien Donohoe has also expressed his disappointment.
"These players have sacrificed so much in their lives and they needed a bit of clarity. A bit of clarity would have gone a long way and I’m disappointed the GAA have ignored the needs of these players that are very vulnerable at this moment in time.”
While their season remains in limbo Flynn has decided to get his under-20 players and management team to focus their training over the next few weeks on fundraising for Eimear Murray, daughter of Meath Ladies manager Eamonn Murray, who is battling cancer.
Flynn has committed his players and fellow management team to complete 50km run, walk or cycle between now and the 2nd May to raise funds for Eimear and he has urged people to support the cause on the Cycle For Eimear GoFundMe page.