Louth Hurling in need of urgent help to stay alive despite recent adult success

When looking at hurling in Louth from outside, things might seem to be in a great place. Under the watchful eye of Paul McCormack, the Wee County managed to fight off relegation form Division 3A, before rounding off the year by claiming the Lory Meagher Cup at Croke Park last Summer.

But under the surface, the sport is struggling to stay alive. In 2021 Pearse Óg had no choice but to disband, while their replacement in the championship St Kevins/Mattock Rangers chose not to field a team in the race for the Paddy Kelly Cup this season.

“At a meeting of the county management executive, it was made known that hurling is struggling at the grassroots roots level” Hurling Board Secretary Fra Kieran told the County Convention recently. “The success at adult county level masks the dire status of hurling in the county.

“On a long-term note, the county executive should initiate a plan to introduce hurling in areas where no hurling exists. There is assistance available from Croke Park and hopefully we will be able to work on something this year.”

Help from GAA HQ will be welcomed as they look to expose the game to more areas, however there is a more pressing issue plaguing the juvenile game that needs addressing first.

The way fixtures were laid out in the past meant that it was tough for players to play both sports competitively, clashes leading to them choosing a football over the sliotar. 

In his chairman’s address at the Convention, Peter Fitzpatrick boasted about the success of McCormack in reigniting the county team’s fortunes. This juvenile issue was noted, with Coiste Iomana and Coiste na nÓg meeting up to help eradicate the situation by having hurling fixtures as part of their Master Plan. 

“We have had a couple of meetings over the last few months as I think it is very important we sit town and put a plan together”  stressed Fitzpatrick. 

“We had Peter Sage, Kevin Gordan, Ronan O’Gorman and Fra meet to see what happens to the U13’s, U15’s and U17’s, as well as juveniles when it comes to hurling. It is vital that we start there, as there are lots of challenges ahead. 

“After seeing what the Fechins have done (in Leinster), it is an awful shame to see that we only have three hurling clubs in county Louth. 

“But the management team and the county board are fully behind hurling and anything we can do to improve hurling we will do.”