Wexford delegate Liam Griffin speaking at Annual GAA Congress at The Abbey Hotel in Donegal. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
A motion from St Mary's, Rosslare seeking to make it mandatory for every club to field hurling teams from U7 up to U10 was withdrawn at the GAA's Annual Congress in Donegal.
Following an initial address from former Wexford manager Liam Griffin, Terry Reilly, Chairperson of the Hurling Development Committee, and GAA President Jarlath Burns discussed the importance of developing the game.
At the outset of the debate Griffin said: "I want people to consider are we fair to the game of hurling. I'm asking the hurling committee to speak on the motion because I think it is the right thing to do."
Reilly responded, acknowledging the positivity towards the Wexford motion. "As a Hurling Development Committee we've met and discussed this," Reilly stated.
"We'd like for Congress to adopt the spirit of what the Wexford motion has outlined.
"I'll give a commitment to Congress, we will do as much as we can. I want to congratulate Rosslare for highlighting this."
Jarlath Burns, GAA President, also acknowledged Griffin's contribution. "As somebody who had to drive eight miles for my children to play hurling, I understand this," Burns remarked.
"We all have to move out of our comfort zone. Liam, you're a man I've the utmost respect for."