I've just seen that Derry have beaten Antrim in one of the U21 semi's tonight, which seems significant from the outside. But I do know Antrim were having alot of trouble with getting someone to manage the U21's this year, up until June as I recall, was that resolved?

Given Slaughtneil's Ulster SHC win this year (were there many from that side on the U21 team?), and Derry's Nicky Rackard win, is this further evidence of a rising tide in Derry hurling? Or is it as much to do with the problems Antrim were already having in the grade this year?

Marlon_JD (Tipperary) - Posts: 1823 - 19/07/2017 23:01:39    2019648

I don't know the answer to your question Marlon but instead of a rising tide I would think it's more of a rising puddle because down through the years everything points to only one conclusion -- that at individual county and at provincial level there is almost zero effort or interest in Ulster to promote the game of hurling.

PoolSturgeon (Galway) - Posts: 1902 - 20/07/2017 06:35:41    2019714

bricktop (Down) - Posts: 2503 - 20/07/2017 09:08:17    2019746

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 20/07/2017 15:45:47    2020054

perfect10 (Wexford) - Posts: 3929 - 20/07/2017 16:12:34    2020079

Is it not time that the hurling strongholds provide a level playing field for the ulster U21 Hurling Champions
Venue Thurles 'AGAIN', Schools, U21 Hurling, Camogie Schools, etc all have to travel here to play semi/quarter finals.
Derry Hurling Area 225miles 4:20hrs
Kilkenny 30miles, 0:40hrs
Limerick Hurling Area 49miles, 1:10hrs
Galway Hurling Area 61miles, 1:35hrs

Brian_Coyote (Antrim) - Posts: 346 - 09/08/2017 16:06:03    2031660

i agree with you coyote derry v kilkenny should be played in a more neutral venue,
gaa showing strange attitude in picking these neutral venues

however its a great venue and great opportunity for derry lads to play there - hope they bring a crowd

janesboro (Limerick) - Posts: 1502 - 09/08/2017 17:27:41    2031714

Marlon_JD (Tipperary) - Posts: 1823 - 09/08/2017 21:31:48    2031771

I was one of the ones in a previous thread who thought that Tipp should've offered to play Westmeath in Mullingar in the hurling qualifiers. In fairness to the Lake County men, they indicated they were delighted to get to play in the hallowed Semple Stadium & gave a great account of themselves there. Maybe it's the same for Derry?

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 10/08/2017 00:17:06    2031816

I dunno - I know if it was me as manager and I was given the choice of:

1 - A venue chosen which meant both teams/fans were travelling equal or close enough distances to the game
2 - A venue which holds a bit of mystique but would mean 4+ hour travelling when the other team can be there in 30mins-1hr

It would be option 1 every day of the week. In fact I would play it in a field half way rather than make my team travel for hours just so they can say they played in Semple, Croke Park etc. But then again, if there were guys who playing in Semple meant more to them than winning the game then they wouldn't be near my team in the first place.

Offside_Rule (Antrim) - Posts: 4058 - 10/08/2017 10:30:43    2031876

Both games are on TG4, hence the reason for one venue.
Semple central to three of the four counties (traditional) so no wonder Derry are shafted although the lads will never forget their run out on Semple.

The only reason Derry CB would be complaining is the extra cost of the hotel stay and nothing to do with what happens on the field.....

bricktop (Down) - Posts: 2503 - 10/08/2017 11:43:39    2031921

In a few years maybe these games could be played in Casement Park. Belfast could really do with getting some high profile games of hurling and Ulster sides have been travelling south for long enough.

Soma (UK) - Posts: 2630 - 10/08/2017 12:15:52    2031934

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 10/08/2017 21:35:10    2032157