Leinster chairman defends role of early season competitions

Mon, 18th January 2016

Leinster GAA Chairman, John Horan, has responded to recent media criticism of the Bord na Móna Walsh Cup and defended the important role that it plays within the Association and in terms of team preparation.

Horan says: “It is important to again place on record the important role that our January competitions play within our Association.

“The Walsh Cup was established in 1954 and together with the Kehoe Cup senior hurling competition and the O’Byrne Cup senior football competition they are collectively known as the Accident Tournaments.

“Money generated from the attendances at these games is used to address issues of hardship suffered by players, and by ordinary members of the GAA in Leinster.

“This work is done privately and without fanfare, but is an opportunity for Leinster GAA to play a role at helping out individuals and families in a time of need, whenever such a need arises and help is sought.

“Yet again in 2016 the money generated at games played throughout Leinster in the month of January maintains the fund used to assist members of the Leinster GAA family in any way that we can.

“Since the games have moved to the month of January, and aided by the sponsorship from Bord na Móna, the Accident Tournaments play a very important role in helping Leinster counties prepare for the start of the national leagues.

“Such is the pressure for league points that the Walsh, Kehoe and O’Byrne Cups are an invaluable opportunity for them to try out new players.

“For the hurlers of Dublin, Galway, Wexford and Offaly the chance to play in the Bord na Móna Walsh Cup final at Croke Park later this month is a very real prize.

“Likewise the boost enjoyed by the footballers of Longford in their Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup win over All-Ireland champions Dublin last Sunday is a significant event for them.

“Our thanks to all of those people who have turned out in such numbers despite the bad weather to support our January competitions.”