A BLUEPRINT FOR WEXFORD

HURLING
JANUARY 2013
HURLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

HURLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

BACKGROUND
In March of 2012 Liam Griffin was asked by Diarmuid Devereaux the newly elected Wexford
County Chairman to form and Chair a Hurling Advisory Committee to advise on all aspects of
Wexford Hurling.
In an effort to achieve a balanced viewpoint in all of our findings careful thought went in to the
process.
A broad criteria was considered in selecting the mix of representation in members of the
Committee.
Six members were selected from People in their 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s
Members were selected with a background in Junior Intermediate and Senior Clubs
50% of the committee was selected from urban areas.
Five of the committee played both Hurling and Football for Wexford at every level.
All were selected for their known passionate, enthusiastic, determined and honest interest in
the GAA in general and Wexford Hurling in particular.
The Hurling Advisory Committee was established in April 2012.
The Committee:
Billy Byrne
Willie Cleary
Tom Dempsey
Adrian Fenlon
Darragh Ryan
Liam Griffin Chairman.
----------------------------------------The Committee have held many meetings and examined all aspects of Wexford Hurling.
We have compiled the following Blueprint which we recommend strongly for serious
consideration.
The committee recognizes that this is not a definitive document. It would certainly be enhanced
further by positive progressive contributions that adhere in decision making towards
Putting Wexford First

INTRODUCTION SUMMARY:
When examining Wexfords position in National Hurling since the foundation of the GAA it
shows that Wexford have never been ranked lower than today, where we have been ranked
10th Nationally at the end of 2012.
Wexford have been in serious decline since the end of the 1970s. This is particularly
disappointing as Wexford were one of Irelands very top hurling Counties in the 1950s - 1960s
and 1970s.
In the meantime Wexfords expectations have always been higher each year than the possible
reality.
What has led to this decline, which left unchecked will certainly become terminal?
One needs to look no further than to the number of other Counties who now have any
possibility of winning an All Ireland or even Provincial senior Hurling championship for proof of
this point.
The decline has certainly come about because the Systems by which Wexford operates and are
governed are not fit for purpose in relation to Inter County success.
Wexford is most certainly a very active County in GAA terms. Club games are played in both
Hurling and Football at every level. The standard unfortunately is not good enough to bring
players to the highest Inter County standards required for continuous success.
Based on irrefutable facts the Hurling Advisory Committees view is that Wexford must
immediately start positive progressive Change.
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored
(Aldous Huxley)

The alternative is to continue what we are and have been doing for decades. If that is our
choice then pulling out of National and Provincial competitions becomes an alternative.
Some very worrying decision have been made for this year 2013. Wexford actually started the
process of withdrawal from National and Provincial competitions.
Our Intermediate Hurling Team has been withdrawn from the Leinster and All Ireland
Championships for 2013.
It should be remembered that when Wexford were a strong Hurling force our Intermediate
Team was also highly competitive. Several top Intermediate inter county players went on to win
All Ireland senior championships with Wexford.
Willie Cleary the manager of this years County minor Hurling team made a presentation to 50
representatives of the County Board of Wexford Coiste na nOg outlining the difficulties

experienced by last years minor hurling team. Some of the team members played as many as 5
and 6 championship matches in 7 and 8 days leading up to the All Ireland quarter final against
Galway who literally hammered a tired and stale Wexford Team. The Galway team had played
no competitive game in the two weeks leading up to the game. Wexford had been beaten by a
point by Galway in a practice match in March.
This years minor panel which includes many members of last years team outlined at a meeting
with the minor management their concerns re the demands made on them last year which they
felt was most unfair. They requested that changes be made for this year.
Willie Cleary outlined the difficulties and made suggestions to the meeting for consideration
before the committee organized this years fixture list.
The County Minor managers suggestions which included the players request were defeated by
50 votes to zero at that meeting.
It is obvious therefore that these suggestions were not considered relevant by the Clubs
representatives.
County Minors, particularly Dual Players have an almost impossible number of games to play in
the early season.
The points re.the County Intermediate and Minor Teams are highlighted to illustrate a
similar wider problem across all Wexford GAA.
The issue arises as there is no Vote at meetings specifically for the County Teams.
The solution is to design a strategy that takes both County and Club Teams into account.

Young players are Wexfords most valuable resource. Is failing to recognize their
concerns part of the reason for Wexfords ongoing lack of success?
(See appendix re the playing expectations on Wexford minor hurlers for 2013)
Our young players, Wexfords future, deserve fair and honest consideration.

Wexford have not won a Leinster minor championship, where there are seldom more
than two possible winners, since 1985 27 years ago! In view of the above this is hardly
surprising.

Clare have introduced a very successful model which Willie Cleary included in his
submission. Clare have contested the last two minor all Ireland hurling semi-finals. Clare
have won two of the last four U21 all Ireland hurling finals. Wexfords last and only all
Ireland win was in 1965 !

The Consequences of being unsuccessful:

There are consequences for lack of success at Inter County level.
The Supporter base continues to erode and accelerate year on year.
This has been happening for several years and will unquestionably accelerate further with each
passing year where we have no success. The supporters are our Customers. They vote with
their feet. They generate our income.
They also generate the interest and desire of our young people to wear the Purple and Gold of
Wexford.
Wexford senior Hurlers have not played in Croke Park for the past five years. Will we play there
this year, lets hope so. However Hope is not a strategy.
Our failure to play at the very top of the national hurling league is costing Wexford a major
lifeblood of Finance.
Over a 20 year period based on the income from the national hurling league in 09, 10, and 11,
Wexford will receive 1.5860 million and 907,920 less revenues for example than Kilkenny
and Tipperary respectively.
That is a totally unsustainable position for Wexford if we ever hope to be at the Top Nationally
in either Hurling or Football into the future.
Wexfords current financial position is far from healthy. However there are certain core
activities particularly in the youth development areas from National Schools all the way to
minor that we have to at all cost find the efficient use of finance to support and develop. Any
neglect in these areas no matter for what short term gain will cost us our future.
We are all charged with great responsibility to show Leadership, Honesty, Vision, courage and
determination at this time.
Wexford Adults and Children have as much potential as People in Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Cork
etc. Our People have been let down and generations of our Children have failed to reach their
full potential because of our failure to come up with a system and organization that supports
talent development and success at Inter county level.
From the Hurling Advisory Committees findings it is obvious now and has been for many years
that Wexford is at a very serious crossroads in its hurling history. This unacceptable and
unnecessary decline in our hurling fortunes must be stopped. Very important decisions will
have to be taken urgently if Wexford have a real will and desire to return to the top flight in
hurling.
These decisions are the responsibility of the leadership of Wexford GAA and its County Board.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Hurling Advisory committee makes their recommendations with respect for all and with
Absolutely no agenda other than for the restoration of our County and our Purple and Gold to
Its place at Hurlings top table.
Hurling at the top level was hard won by previous generations of Wexford Men who have never
been forgotten throughout the County or indeed the Country.
Hurling is part of our tradition which we wish to see passed on to our Children and future

Generations.
Hurling is one of the Worlds truly great games. Players and Spectators marvel at its skills.
Hurling needs more Teams capable of playing at the very top level.
Wexford has been at the forefront of the development and promotion of the Game in the past
and can be again.
Wexford have a responsibility to the Game of Hurling.
Hurling needs Wexford.

Cherish your Visions and your dreams as they are the Children of your Soul,
the Blueprint of your ultimate achievements
(Napoleon Hill)

A BLUEPRINT FOR WEXFORD HURLING

The Hurling Advisory Committee examined the current position of Wexford Hurling in its
entirety. The committee listened to the views of Groups and Individuals involved at every level
of Hurling within and outside the County. They also studied the Wexford Hurling Review 2012
an investigative study into the top hurling counties (compiled by Rory Griffin MBS.)

The Hurling Advisory Committee understands that change has to happen immediately if
Wexford Hurling is to be restored to the top level in the Country.
For progress and success to follow this must become an accepted clear

Vision and a Goal

It is recommended most strongly that a Blueprint for Wexford Hurling be regarded as Urgent
and agreed on as quickly as possible.
It is further recommended that a Blueprint should then be followed and supported with 100%
commitment by the County Board and all concerned Parties.
The Facts
The strength of County Hurling is measured by the standing of the County Senior Team.
After the year end 2012 Wexford are listed in 10th place nationally and in 5th place in Leinster
which includes Galway.
Wexford Hurling has been in decline every year for many years. These facts confirm the findings
of the Wexford Hurling Review 2012
This is a shameful position for a once proud Hurling County.
Tom Williams a great Wexford Man who sadly died in 2012, wrote
The mood and spirit of a County is often defined by the progress and standing of their
County Team
The 1950s were a very bad and indeed sad time in Ireland both in economic and emigration
terms.
Not so in County Wexford who were on top of the world in hurling terms during that period
having contested 5 out of the 10 All Ireland Hurling finals from 51 to 60 winning 3. Wexford
also won probably the most famous league title of all time when they defeated Tipperary in
1956 having recovered from 14 points down at half time. Wexford also won the national league
title in 1958.

Economic Impact
The economic impact of senior county teams doing well is of major significance and
importance to the financial state of County Boards and its ability to help in the continuous
growth and development of our games. Based on Figures supplied by Croke Park for the years
09 10 and 11 and projecting these out Wexford for example will earn from the National
Hurling League 793,000 less than Kilkenny and 453,960 less than Tipperary over a ten year
period.
That obviously equates to 1.5860 million and 907,920 fewer revenues than Kilkenny and
Tipperary for example over a 20 year period.
That is a totally unsustainable position for Wexford if we ever hope to be at the Top Nationally
in either Hurling or Football into the future.
It also has an impact on the wider economy of the county.
It is obvious given the current facts that we have failed to address this Hurling problem over a
long number of years.
The records show there has been a great supporter base for Wexford hurling which will
undoubtedly decline further through lack of success.
As times goes by it is obvious that the support base decline will accelerate if not arrested. In
fact that is currently the position.
Something needs to be done with great urgency to arrest the decline beyond the point of
redemption.
The decline in Laois hurling is an alarming example.
In the first instance there must be an acceptance that hurling is a specialist sport with difficult
and unique skills that have to be learned at an early age. Without that recognition and
acceptance meaningful progress is simply not possible.

National Schools are the Bedrock and the Foundation:

All evidence and facts show that our primary focus has to be on National Schools. It has to be
the NO. 1 priority on a permanent basis.
Kilkenny attribute the focus on National Schools which commenced over 10 years ago as the
main reason for their success. Irrespective of whether Kilkenny play football or not the fact
remains that unless Wexford come up with a matching programme we will not be able to
compete with them at hurling into the future. Several other counties are currently copying the
Kilkenny model. I.e. Tipperary, Waterford, Clare. Wexford currently lags behind these counties
also.
In an ideal world Teachers would take responsibility for hurling in National Schools. It is
recognised by the Hurling Advisory Committee that many Teachers are and have been doing

exceptional work within both primary and secondary schools. We also recognise that without
that input Wexford would be in an even more difficult position today. Hurling however remains
in a hit and miss position within the National Schools and is dependant for the most part on the
goodwill of the principal and Teachers in a particular school.
To address this we strongly recommend a strong
Club School Relationship:

Each club should take proactive responsibility for the National Schools in their area.

A suggested model should be made available to clubs and provided by the County
Board.

A How to Booklet showing suggested structures should be produced. (Willie Cleary

has an example of an excellent model operating in Crossabeg / Ballymurn)

Clubs should be assisted in every way possible by offering them advice and suggestions
and contact with Clubs/Schools where an ideal model works.

Each club should present their plan for their local schools to the County Board
Coaching and Games Development Committee and County Games Development
Manager for input, for recording progress and intelligence gathering throughout the
entire county.

A report on all Clubs/Schools progress should be discussed at least twice throughout the
year at County Board and at Annual Convention.

Each Club should be assisted in the Start up Phase and subsequently held accountable
for the progress of their local Schools.

More exposure to playing more games should be the No.1 priority for all National
Schools.

The committee understands that funding is available for Club/School coaching from leinster
Council through County Board. This should greatly assist and motivate Clubs to participate.

TOWNS

National Schools in the Towns given their population need particular attention.

Each Town should have a permanent dedicated Hurling Coach from the Town area who
would take charge of coaching in all Schools within the Town, both national and
secondary.

Over time this should prove to be of real benefit to Wexford hurling.

Extra competitions should be held within the Towns i.e. BlitzesLeaguesInter Town
Competitions.

Some years ago the Towns had their own Rackard League competition

School Boards of Management

Hurling can cause concern for some school principals particularly from a health and safety point
of view.
It is recommended that the local GAA Club seek to alleviate their concerns and assist the
schools by members of the GAA club being encouraged to actively participate on the Schools
Board of management.

Quotes: of serious significance (ref. Wexford Hurling Review 2012)

Pat Daly Croke Park -- GAA Games Development Manager: Kilkenny seek to place Hurling
driven Teachers within their Schools in order to promote and get the Children active. Kilkenny
can attribute their success to the Trojan work being carried out in their national Schools. This is
the bedrock of Kilkenny Hurling and Wexford must have an ambition to have Hurling played at
break time in every national school, otherwise Wexford are already starting from behind. A very
strong structure is needed where you have a Teacher at each school that is committed to
promoting Hurling, thats the bedrock. If you dont have that the rest might not follow through,
whereas if you do have it you are starting off with a solid foundation
Ned Quinn Kilkenny County Chairman: A unity of purpose is required between the National
School and the local GAA Club. This has been developed in Kilkenny where Hurling focused
Teachers are employed now in the vast majority of National Schools which compliments and
assists the local GAA Club and the County.
Joey Carton Munster Hurling games Development Manager: You develop your key Players
from ages 6 to 10. Exposure to Hurling at this stage is of vital importance. Secondary Schools
need good players coming into them and it all derives from the Club. If they dont have the

Good basic skills coming into them by age 13, no matter what they do they are in trouble. You
can have the best Coaches in the World in Secondary School but if the Players available cant
hurl and hasnt got the basics right there is very little they can do
Kilkenny are a different Country they do things differently there
If Wexford are ever to compete with Kilkenny again then
Wexford must do things differently
Secondary Schools:

A major bonus of implementing the suggested National Schools plan is that it will
automatically improve the quality of players entering secondary Schools.

This in turn will ensure that players leaving Secondary Schools will be better equipped
going to 3rd level where currently there is a small number of Wexford players
participating at the top level.

Wexford must aim to have at least 4 secondary Schools participating at A level in

Leinster Colleges Hurling within the next 5 years.

Currently Kilkenny have 405 approx students in panels competing annually in Leinster A
Colleges Hurling. This includes Kilkenny boys attending Good Counsel. Wexford has 135
boys in panels competing in Leinster A Hurling annually.

Over a ten year period that equates to 4,050 Kilkenny boys. While Wexford would have
1350 boys competing in Leinster A Colleges Hurling. That is a gap of 2,700 boys from
Wexford Vs Kilkenny. Is it any wonder then why Wexford hurling is lagging behind
Kilkenny?

Incidentally the man of the match in last years All Ireland Final was Walter Walsh ex.
Good Counsel. Positive proof of Joey Cartons assertion!

The bottom 8 Schools in Wexford require serious urgent attention as to a way forward
plan, discussed with Donal Howlin at our recent meeting.

It is obvious that Wexford have very serious work to do in Secondary Schools. We have
very large population of students attending many Schools that are participating very
poorly at Colleges level.

Clubs should play a more active role in building a Club/School relationship with
Secondary Schools also. However it must be stressed that the real area of assistance is
ensuring that when players leave National School that they have the necessary skills
required. (Joey Carton)

The Oulart Example:

The level of commitment in the schools of Oulart parish followed by the club has resulted in the
success of the Oulart 3 in a row Senior Hurling Team and the success of their Camogie Team,
the current Leinster and All Ireland Champions.
Oulart girls have also been the major driving force behind the Wexford 3 in a row All Ireland
winning Camogie Teams.
Two school teachers in particular Breda Jacob and Breda Flood can take great credit for these
outstanding achievements of a small rural Parish.
IF Wexford did nothing else extra for the next 5 Years except get the National Schools/Club
system up and running it would have a major positive impact.
THIS in the View of the Hurling advisory Committee
HAS TO BE PRIORITY NO.1.
If we could have an impact at Secondary Schools it would undoubtedly be an added Extra
Bonus.
If the above two were all we FIXED Wexford would be on the right path.
THE HURLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT TWO PERMENANT
DYNAMIC COMMITTEES BE ESTABLISHED FOR A FOCUS ON BOTH COACHING AND
DEVELOPMENT IN NATIONAL AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THE COMMITTEE TO BE
COMPRISED OF PEOPLE WITH A PASSION AND ENTHUSIASM FOR THIS VITAL AREA AND
FOUNDATION OF WEXFORD HURLING INTO THE FUTURE.
URBAN AREAS:
It is recognised that Hurling is a major problem in the urban areas of Co. Wexford.
Populations
Wexford Town 20072
Enniscorthy
9776
Gorey
9363
New Ross
4552
-------Total
43763
Kilkenny is the only major Town in the County
Population

22176

Kilkenny City has 3 Senior Hurling Clubs.

The four Wexford Towns combined have 2 Senior Clubs.

Some Examples and comparisons:

The two Wexford Senior Clubs from County Wexford Towns have a combined total of
6 County Senior Hurling titles Faythe Harriers 5 Rapparees 1. Combined
population -- 29848.

Rathnure with a Population of 700 approx. has 20 Senior Titles and 6 Leinster Titles.

Rathnure have a Senior and Intermediate Hurling Team. Two Teams selected from 700
People playing at a higher grade than Wexford Town Teams selected from 20072
people!

Clonard has a Population of 9000 approx. with two large Primary Schools, 1300
Students. None are playing A Rackard league.

In 2012 we had one starting Player for Wexford Senior Hurlers from all of County
Wexfords Towns Teams pop. 43763 !!!

If the Urban issues are not addressed we are continuing to cut off half the population
of the County while trying to compete.

The above are a very small sample of random alarming statistic and facts that have
been accepted as the norm for many years.

This must be addressed immediately if Wexford Hurling is ever to regain a position at

the top in National Hurling.

Wexford needs a nonstop working PLAN driven by dedicated and enthusiastic people
with a single objective
Bring Wexford Towns to the fore front of Wexford Hurling within 5 years.

We need a Massive Urban drive now

We surely must be past the time for nonstop EXCUSES. A change of mindset is a
MUST.

URBAN AREAS should be seen as a great untapped resource and opportunity

HURLING SQUADS:

Based on the results from all games played at squad level i.e. U14 to U17 and County
Minor level Wexford have fallen behind the leading Counties.

This point is further illustrated by St. Peters who last won an All Ireland in the 1970s -the last Century.

As an example since the commencement of the automatic All Ireland series qualification
available to Colleges that reach the Leinster Final St. Peters College Wexford have never
qualified.

This should be seen as a commentary on the overall standard of Wexford Under age
Hurling not on St. Peters College.

While a lot of work and re organization is currently in progress with the squad system it
is imperative that we set goals to bridge the gap in the long term and MOST
IMPORTANTLY in the medium term to stop a further decline while waiting for the
benefits of an overall plan.

If we fail to recognise this point the Long term plan may be a failure before it
commences. We wish to EMPHASISE this point strongly.

The Hurling Advisory Committee strongly recommends that the Vital Squad system is led
and Controlled ONLY by Suitably qualified positive People who have Leadership Skills,
and are passionate and enthusiastic in this particular area.

If Teachers who have an interest in this area could be encouraged to participate it would
in the Committees view be of enormous benefit.

Wexford should introduce the Relative age Theory immediately into our Squad system.
It has been proven in International studies that maturity is the most important factor in
Player development. The following is recommended, in place of A and B Squads which
has negative connotations.

We recommend that a Purple Squad be selected from Boys born between the 1st of
January and the 1st of July and that the Gold squad be selected from boys born between
the 1st. of July and the 31st. December. It is proven that this increases the amount of
quality Players overall and PREVENTS Player dropout. This could be applied on a district

basis for each Squad. It could be further applied in Clubs and Schools with large
numbers.

It is recommended that an overall Squad Coordinator/Administrator is appointed and

given responsibility for collating VITAL INFORMATION particularly lists of all Participants,
analysis, information on progress and Player dropout Rates.

Squad Leaders/Coaches should be selected and allocated on a yearly basis with no

further commitments on either side. This avoids bad feelings where People feel or
expect entitlements.

The Hurling Advisory Committee are currently working on a suggested

Coaching guide for your Squad
To be understood and signed by all Squad Leaders, Coaches and Mentors.

The recommendations here are recommended also on the suggestions and findings of
Volunteers and Coaching Staff over a two day Seminar and Management Course
Putting Wexford first organised by the Hurling Advisory Committee.
The Course Leaders to whom we are most grateful included Michael Dempsey former CEO of
Bristol Myers Squibb, ex. Wexford and Rapparees hurler and Billy Walsh Olympic Boxing high
Performance Coach ex Faythe Harriers and Wexford Hurler.

Games Development/ Coaching Office:

The Games development Manager and the coaching Staff are an integral part of hurling
development across all sections of the game within the County.
The coaching and games committee should agree a plan in conjunction with the Games
development Manager.
Clear Goals and objectives should be firmly agreed from the outset.
The plan should be properly funded if it is to work efficiently.
The Games Development Manager and his office should be accountable for the implementation
of the plan.
Absolute Clarity is a must.

CLUBS:
All of the above involves Clubs at every level.
The No. 1 Priority from the Hurling Advisory Committee is at all times the establishment of the
CLUB - NATIONAL SCHOOL LINK. = The foundation
Where local clubs take full responsibility for all of its local schools. As already illustrated
templates exist.
In the Committees view this will yield the most progress most quickly.
If only ten Clubs particularly those in urban areas were to gets this system running efficiently
we would change the face of both Club and Wexford Hurling in a few short years.

We have the Population we should have no excuses we have major

Opportunities
Hurling Skills
It must be recognised and accepted that hurling is a very difficult game to master. It is also one
of the most Highly Technical Skill based Sports in the World.
Joey Carton Munster Hurling Games Development Manager comments that you develop your
key Player from age 6 to 10, exposure to Hurling at this stage is of vital importance.
This point must be considered at all times and sufficient time allotted to Childrens hurling in
those age categories.
This combined with the Club School Link will be seen as the main Foundation if Wexford is to
make progress in the future.
Cul Camps:
Cul Camps are an extremely important introduction to the GAA and Hurling. The Quality of the
organisation of these Camps together with the quality of the Coaches cannot be over
estimated. You get one chance to make a First impression
Excellent Coaches will ensure excellent retention of Players provided that Clubs have an
efficient school Link. To help raise the Cul Camp profile Inter County players should be
encouraged to assist and attend.
Young Parents need to see our organisation in a very positive light. Our ability and
professionalism must stand out from competing organisations if we are to build numbers and
even retain our existing Players.

PLAYING ARRANGEMENTS:

The present playing arrangements for ALL Club games are NOT helping Wexford Hurling
standards. This is positively proven by the facts.

Wexford are currently ranked 10th in Ireland and 5th. In Leinster.

The worry here is that this is obviously accepted by the Hurling Community who seems
to almost see this as ok.

Wexford in their decision making process are demonstrating a lack of understanding and
apathy in relation to the playing arrangements. Example the Wexford Intermediate
team and the County Minor Hurling Teams.

How else could we have come to the present Fixtures arrangements?

Interestingly Kilkenny still have an Intermediate team picked from Intermediate and
Junior Clubs. Wexford were allowed to pick from Senior and all teams which
represented an opportunity to give experience to our second team and younger players.

There is actually a disconnect between what represents progress for the County and
progress for the Clubs. This is a result of the system.

The current system and past systems where Clubs vote without taking the overall view
to include County Teams into account has led to where we are. That is a point of Fact. It
is a difficult problem but difficult problems require application and intelligent solutions.

A clear Vision of where Wexford wishes to be on the Inter County Stage is a MUST. This
in our view needs to be addressed by all concerned with Wexford Clubs and County.

A buy in from all to that Clear Vision is also a must.

Where exactly do we want to be 5/10 years from now We need to decide

immediately. We need to make progress in that direction.

The Hurling Advisory Committee strongly recommends in the interest of both Hurling and
Football
The splitting of the Seasons Hurling and Football as NO.1 OPTION
Or
The playing of Groups of Games Hurling and Football to Quarter Final Stages First.
Football first followed by Hurling
The alternative is to continue as we are and get similar results.

That would constitute a failure of Vision, Courage, Management and

Leadership

DISIPLINE
Discipline in the County needs to be improved across the board.
How Rugby controls its Games is a shining example to all sports.
We recommend that we copy what is appropriate from their template.
Wexford could become leaders in the field throughout the GAA. For example only Captains
should be allowed to have dialogue with the Referee.
Start with a fresh and new approach from U12 and gradually work it up through the grades.
Undoubtedly it would be a slow but worthwhile process.
Discipline will attract a different type of Player, Parent, and customer to the GAA that will
complement our current reach.
We also recognize that quality Referees with high quality training is of the utmost importance.

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
It is a very strongly held view of our committee that we need more youth in senior roles at
National, Club and County Board level.
This is not meant to be an ageist comment and is offered with respect. Youth brings freshness
and energy as well as many other modern skills, technology in particular, to which the young
People, our playing population and our Supporters (customers) can relate.
Incidentally the age profile of the Hurling Advisory Committee is 20% under 30 60% under 40
and 80% under 50. This ensured that the heaviest weighting is towards the younger age group.
This was part of our criteria from the outset.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Major advances have and are being taken daily in this area across all Counties. It is an area with
a potential for very high cost. It is also an area of sometimes conflicting advice between various
Coaches.
Longford have recently developed a first rate system to cover all Players from 15 year olds up to
Senior.
One Coach has responsibility for the overall programme.
Every Player is exposed to the sessions that the senior Squad do. They are working-out in the
same environment, use the same equipment but all have individual plans tailored to suit their
needs. It is a model worth examining as are many other models in different Counties.
Finance
Finance has been referred to earlier.
It is of vital importance in the first instance that sufficient finance is always made available for
our foundation level
Schools----Squads ---Coaching etc.
This area will decide Wexfords future good or bad.
The higher profile Senior Teams are very important but it should never be forgotten that our
youth will be the high profile Teams of tomorrow if we are to have a successful future.
The distribution of finance must reflect the costs associated with the Sport.
We have been distributing funds equally between Hurling and Football. For example a similar
budget allocated to similar Teams in both codes.
This does not reflect the reality on the costs side. Hurling for example has a serious higher cost
with equipment i.e. Hurls, Balls etc.

APPENDIX
Wexford Minor Hurlers:
Playing arrangements and demands.
Jan - Feb; Designated College months.
Both ST. Peters College and Good Counsel players playing Dual = 15-20 of county panels.
March: 5 rounds of Minor club championship: 3 football & 2 hurling on every Sunday.
St Patricks weekend: 1st round U21 hurling fixtures.
April & May; adult club championship: 2 rounds of football and 2 rounds of hurling in which all
county minor players will be expected and required by clubs.
This does not include Jim Byrne Cup Competition Games !
4th May; Leinster Minor Hurling Championship 1st round.
18th May; 1/4 finals knockout Leinster minor hurling Championship.

Basically, Jan & Feb are designated schools months.

March is minor & u21 club. April & May are adult club championship. So prior to 1st round
Minor championship a minor player will have MINIMUM 10 club championship games played: 5
Minor, 4 Adult & 1 U21. On top of this the player will play a minimum of 6 school championship
games as SPC & GC both won 1st round of football today (22/1/13). So at the very minimum a
player will have played 16 championship games excluding ALL minor county challenge games?
Realistically a minor player will 15-20 championship games before he plays for Wexford on 4th
May.
Clare have introduced a model for Minors which is bringing great success to their Minor
County and U 21 Hurling Teams. Clare say this has reinvigorated Clubs not hindered them.
Clare play no U 16 or Minor Championship Games in either Hurling or football until after the
Munster Hurling Final and the State Exams.