Cavan are "ready" to field a hurling team again
October 23, 2015
The last Cavan senior hurling team from a NHL clash with Tyrone at Breffni Park
A leading figure in Cavan hurling circles believes the time has come for the county to field at senior inter-county level again.
Seamus Hughes, manager of county champions Cootehill and Cavan Hurling Development member, is spearheading a campaign to restore the Breffni County hurlers to the inter-county stage for the first time since 2011. However, while he claims the campaign has the support of many, including GAA president and Cavan man Aogan O Fearghail as well as the GPA, Hughes says the county board is not so keen on the idea.
In a statement sent to hoganstand.com and other media outlets, he wrote: "I am one of the main organisers of this campaign. This is not an ego thing nor do I want the manager's job with a future county team. And it isn't about money, as I haven't claimed or received one red cent in the five years I have been involved in the county hurling set-up.
"I simply feel that lads who are playing hurling in Cavan deserve their chance to play for their county. Just the same as every other hurler in the other 31 counties do. Cavan have the same playing numbers at senior level as Leitrim, Sligo and Longford and Fermanagh is operating a county team with only one club.
"Aogan O Fearghail has met us and has agreed to back the idea. So have the Gaelic Players' Association. And have any of the top people in Croke Park whom I have spoken too. The stumbling block is the Cavan county board.
"There have been half-truths circulated about "not being ready" and "underage development". I have been to many hurling games throughout Ulster and this region and I can assure you that the Cavan hurlers are ready.
"We are the strongest hurling club in the county and we should be leading this campaign. I'm asking the entire club to back this campaign."
He added: "I feel that Cavan can win a national title within three years of the senior team re-entering the National Hurling League and Lory Meagher Championship. This is a realistic goal and my firm belief."
