Replying To manfromthewest:  "I generally just observe the comments on these threads but feel the idea that the decline of rural clubs is purely down to a decrease in population is only an excuse. I think it is far to say these so called rural/weaker clubs have been asleep at the wheel and haven't sat down and had a deep look into the issues that they are facing and come up with a strategy/plan as to how to improve things. There are two main issues lack of organisation planning and poor quality coaching.

Take St. Johns for example they ignored underage for a long number of years and are now facing the consequences. On the plus side, a few years ago they sought help from the CB and essentially reset and have put huge work in at underage which now sees them competing at A level at almost all underage levels (boys and girls). Is it too late? Only time will tell.

You could argue Ballymote and Bunninaden were in a similar position, although population had a part to play, but both were struggling at underage levels and I assume it would have been a difficult decision but both sides felt it would be worth amalgamating at underage and they have good quality coaches in place. Look at their current minor team, competing very strongly at A level.

Eastern Harps another example of a club who were in decline at adult level and struggling at underage, look at them now, they got the right people involved, new clubhouse, new stand, division 1 final, promoted to Div 2, very strong minor teams over the last few years backed by good coaches predominantly made up of former players.

I am not saying amalgamations are the answer far from it in fact but the clubs in question need to take stock very quickly and seek the required help, can the CB bring in external people from outside the county to assist?

I know this one will be controversial but I feel clubs just use depopulation as an excuse. More work needs to be done to encourage kids to play and the coaching the kids receive must improve. I have coached teams myself and respect anyone that puts their hand up to help out with a team as it is not an easy job at times but the quality of some of the coaching a lot of underage club teams are receiving around the county and have received over the past few years is not up to standard and that is reflected in their clubs current situation at adult level. As I mentioned above, Harps is the opposite to this, they didn't allow the decline to happen, they reset and got the right people involved.

I look up north and there is coaching workshops with some top coaches doing sessions almost every weekend with 100 coaches in atttendance but nothing done in Sligo or surrounding counties. Each team need at least one good coach who is willing to educate himself, attend workshops, take advice from peers from within club on drills etc.

Sligo GAA and these so called weaker clubs needs to do more with these coaches to educate them and upskill and I don't just mean do the standard award 1 course, they need more practical training.

The super clubs as you are referring them to are reaping the rewards of years of hard work from volunteers and have set the benchmark for the rest to follow."

Replying To muscles:  "Eastern Harps are an amalgamation, they have a large area with a decent population. If you are using Eastern Harps as an example of what clubs should do then are you suggesting clubs should amalgamate?

How many teams in division 1 this year are not amalgamations?"