They Said It ....

March 2005

“I wasn’t getting the full support of some members of the hurling board’s executive committee who are being held to ransom by former senior hurlers. A lack of strength was shown last summer in the way they behaved themselves by not tackling certain issues, it manifested itself in allowing a player to confront management instead of being involved in preparing himself for games."
Former Meath hurling manager John Hunt explains some of the reasons behind his decision to quit the county in February

“Gaelic Games receive substantially more Television coverage now than at any time in their history. We appreciate the various channels for their continued interest in our games and we hope that the allocation of rights for the next three years will substantially benefit all parties involved."
GAA President Sean Kelly comments after RTE secured rights for the senior football and hurling championships until 2007.

“I have heard from very reliable sources that Michael is working very hard in the gym on his fitness, but other than that I don’t know anything about his situation.”
Galway manager Peter Ford reveals that Michael Donnellan is in heavy training at the moment but he is still unsure if the All-Ireland winner will return to the county scene

“There’s no doubt in my mind that they should have gone in. There was probably a bit of a legacy of negativity still felt over Galway’s experiences in Munster back in the ’60’s when they won one game in ten years of trying. I would still like to see them compelled to go into Leinster, I believe it will still come about one day.”
Galway All-Ireland winning manager Cyril Farrell bemoans the fact that the county didn’t accept the invitation of the Leinster Council to participate in their hurling championship

“I really think they need to play Sigerson in November, I’ve said that this couple last couple of years. From an academic point of view as well as everything else. I can understand some years ago when they played some league matches before Christmas, but now there’s none, that’s when they should play the Sigerson.”
Donegal manager Brian McEniff believes that the Sigerson Cup should not interfere with the NFL preparations of counties in the New Year

"We hope to have the big screen ready in the middle of the year. It will be one of the biggest in Europe, costing around Eur1 million."
Croke Park Stadium Director Peter McKenna looks forward to the introduction of a big screen at Croke Park later in the year

"Lads won’t get a chance to recover from knocks, which could cause problems further down the road. They’re more likely to pick up injuries in such a busy schedule.”
Galway manager Peter Ford criticises the NFL schedule of five matches on successive weekends

“I am also of the view that any decision in relation to this matter (opening Croke Park) should be given to Ard Comhairle and that we should trust this body to make a judgement based on any request which might be submitted for the use of the stadium.”
Presidential candidate Nicky Brennan feels that Ard Comhailre should be given the power to decide how Rule 42 is implemented