Players need incentive to stay on board

FOR three of the four teams who begin their Munster Championship today, the story is of those not playing for them, rather than who will line out. Tipperary, Waterford and Limerick have suffered because of a variety of reasons – defections to hurling teams, players opting for America and Australian Rules and others have simply walked away, because of apathy and lack of interest. Tipp boss Liam Kearns’ observation that 11 of last year’s team are not available to him illustrated the problems that these counties face. It was also interesting to read comments by Limerick’s Ian Ryan during the week, when he talked of the lost generation of footballers in his own county. Ryan, who would be an asset to any county team, lamented the dozens of players the played with at minor and Under 21 level who no longer turn out for the county because there is no hope for success. The experience in Limerick was a stark contrast to what Tyrone’s Ronan O’Neill said about how he knuckled down over the winter and worked extremely hard to ensure he got another opportunity with his own county. In the stronger counties, players are determined to make the most of themselves because of the promise of success while in the weaker counties, players are walking away because they have little to aspire to. The likes of Ryan (above), who continues to give his all for his county, through all the bleak times must be commended. But I don’t think he will get a reward today. Clare manager Colm Collins, like Pete McGrath in Fermanagh, is maximising the potential of his team to the utmost. While the other three teams in Munster are on a slide, Clare are moving in an upward direction and I expect they will confirm that in the Gaelic Grounds.