New era begins following ‘most successful’ hurling season

Christy McDermott of Oran is the new County Hurling Secretary. He was elected at last Thursday night’s Hurling Board Convention as he defeated Ivan Connaughton of Athleague in the race to replace Johnny Haughey, who retired after almost 55 years in the job.   There was no contest for the PRO’s position as John Donoghue of Padraig Pearses withdrew his name, leaving Tommy Connolly to return unopposed.    In his chairperson’s address Brian McDonnell called 2007 ‘arguably the most successful year ever for Roscommon hurling.’   Brian McDonnell said that the county hurlers had responded magnificently to the call he made last year to renew their drive and commitment to the county jersey and Roscommon were rewarded with the Nicky Rackard Cup, the National Hurling League Division 3 title, and the All-Ireland U-21 B title which Brian McDonnell singles out as probably the most important win of all.   The chairperson says that the value of the  success in 2007 could not be calculated in terms of exposure for the game, particularly in schools. Brian says that the response in the non-traditional hurling areas where coaching is going on in national schools has been very encouraging as a result.   Brian McDonnell says that there was severe pressure on club fixtures in 2007 with the junior hurling championship and the U-21 championship not completed by the end of the year.    ‘We have let our lower order players down’ he said. He suggested that perhaps playing games under lights in the spring might be part of a solution to the overall problem in that area.    The controversial axing of the intercounty U-16 grade is also addressed by Brian McDonnell, who asks the question ‘I wonder are U-16 blitzs the way forward in this grade? Would a few more meaningful games over a few weekends not make it easier to prepare and focus a squad of players?’   He says that the big money currently being spent by the GAA in developing huge stadia might be better spent by clubs who he maintains are being hit financially by huge increases in insurance charges every year.    ‘The grassroots of The Association must not be forgotten’ he commented.    Brian McDonnell paid a special trubute to retiring secretary Johnny Haughey, who he said had been ‘the rock-steady hand on the hurling ship in Roscommon for almost six decades.   Brian went on to say that while he (Johnny) may not have seen eye to eye with every contributor at meetings, etc, everything he ever did was for the general good of hurling.    Brian said that it was fitting that Johnny Haughey was retiring after such a successful year and that his contribution was recognised from the stand in Croke Park by the President of the GAA the day Roscommon won the Nicky Rackard Cup.   Brian concludes his tribute to Johnny Haughey by saying ‘we will never see the likes of you again. May you enjoy your retirement from the job