Leitrim and Longford may be removed from the Allianz hurling league per new GAA proposals.
A proposal from the CCCC to omit Leitrim and Longford along with Cavan, Louth, Fermanagh was discussed at last Saturday’s Central Council meeting.
CCCC are recommending that any county with fewer than five hurling clubs be excluded from a newly-structured Allianz League.
Instead, they would concentrate solely on an expanded Lory Meagher Cup. Whereas, the money saved being set aside for hurling development in those counties.
There are just two hurling clubs currently registered in Leitirm, Carrick hurlers and Glencar/Manorhamilton. Longford’s three adult club hurling teams are Clonguish, Wolfe Tones and Longford Slashers.
An estimated total of €900,000 is spent annually on preparing and operating those five intercounty hurling teams. The CCCC instead want to see that money pumped towards underage coaching and club development. Aiming increase the number of players and teams in those counties.
The Irish Times report, the 2022 gate receipts for the Lory Meagher Cup were €1,940 while the matchday and competition costs tallied at €39,337. With team expenses included, in 2022 it cost the GAA €165,182 to run the Lory Meagher Cup.
Leitrim and Longford both played their 2023 hurling campaign in division 3B. The division also includes two English team, Lancashire and Warwickshire. Leitrim finished second in the dvision with three wins, their only defeat against league winners Cavan. Cavan landed the league title pipping Leitrim in the final.
Whereas, the 2023 Lory Meagher cup was less succesful for both counties, neither progresed to the final. Leitrim finishing fifth and Longford fourth.
