League demands under scrutiny

Tipperary secretary Michael O'Brien has proposed that the county reconsider its participation in the National Hurling League.

In his report to next weekend's annual convention, O'Brien is critical of several aspects of the competition.

"The reduction of income from league participation, fines, injuries, suspensions, cost of preparing teams, proximity of the championship to the league final, tiredness, fatigue, cutting across local championships and leagues, peaking too often in the one year, all suggest we should consider our future participation in the league.

"This is a serious step, but unless there are some improvements it is one this county will have to consider."

Another suggestion is that

league matches between counties 130 km apart should be played at a neutral venue half-way between the counties in order to minimise travelling time and expense.

There is also criticism of the decision to stage one league fixture on a Saturday.

"The staging of the Tipperary v Limerick game on a Saturday caused much annoyance among Tipperary supporters. The officers of the county committee were astounded and incensed when the news of the Saturday fixture filtered through. Our views and preferences were obviously not heeded."

O'Brien also referred to the three-month suspension of Eamonn Corcoran as the "most frustrating experience I have ever had in my long association with the GAA and in my opinion major questions on the whole episode still remain unanswered".