Peter O'Halloran stressed the importance of increased participation and retention of young players in the GAA in Meath at the special meeting of the County Committee on Monday night.

O'Halloran is the chairman of the Participation and Retention Committee which talked to the clubs at a number of regional meetings over the last few months.  Noel Dempsey is the body's secretary and a few coaches also contributed with short addresses.

The committee's chairman revealed the alarming statistic that while 65% of young people in Meath played Gaelic games at the age of 14, that figure dropped to 17% at minor age.

"It's all about retaining players, so wear your retention hat tonight," said O'Halloran while under-14 chairman Jim Condra said the county was losing potential members because hurling is not being promoted in some areas.

Dempsey spoke of the problem of poor coaches, poor planning of fixtures and the win at all costs attitudes which can turn young people away from the GAA. He also warned for the need of flexibility with underage players who wish to play other sports.

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