by
Brendan Boylan

Christy Ring undoubtedly holds numerous records. One can only wonder how many All Stars the genius from Cloyne would’ve attained had the scheme existed when the country’s most famous oil distributor of that time was weaving his magic! Perhaps the greatest of all his achievement was the staggering eighteen Railway Cup accolades he amassed over the best part of two decades.

Unfortunately, it appears that will be one his records that will never be got near. Not because the players aren’t there to do it – there are probably quite a few players with a considerable collection of medals from the jousts between the four provinces – simply that unless something doesn’t change quickly – and the attitudes of the all too powerful in particular – no amount of life support will sustain the grand old competitions.

Such a turn of events would be nothing short of shameful. Not only because if for no other reason the Interprovincial Championships – as they are now dubbed – should be kept going as a mark of respect to their greatest ever ambassador. Yes, it will be said the Christy Ring Cup is already in situ for that exact purpose but the man widely regarded as the greatest player hurling has ever seen had a very special association with wearing the blue of Munster.

The ploy of recent years of staging the competition under lights was a real winner. Or so it seemed to us plain people of Ireland. Not for the first time though, it appears matters monetary have superseded the importance of the games and those taking part therein. Hardly surprising given the amount of negativity that has ensued during the current Uachtaran’s stint at the helm, but that leaves the current treatment this event is being afforded no less shameful.

Those looking for excuses to justify this negligence will point to only 10,127 filing into Croke Park when the Finals were staged in HQ last term. That’s still no excuse for the disgraceful manner in which the 2008 version was more or less totally ignored by the top brass. Coming up with the laughable defence that the semi finals were being marketed where they were due to take place is an even bigger insult. Remember, these are National competitions. Giving them publicity akin to what the official opening of a Club ground says it all about the priorities and qualities of the thankfully soon to be retiring President.

The whole farcical nature of things also brings to mind the old dictum about things not being broken and there being no need to tamper with them. Right, so the attendance in Croker mightn’t have been what was expected or needed by those who put money first, but, twelve months previously the staging of a semi final and the Final in the more compact surroundings of Parnell Park was a resounding success.

Whilst not wanting to belittle O’Moore Park or Kiltoom or Fermoy, very little thought was obviously put into the selection of the venues either. Now, in one way, the staging of the semi finals in both codes over the course of the October Bank Holiday weekend again shows the contempt with what is still an important part of the GAA calendar is treated. On the other hand, however, surely with an extra day to maneuver round surely two double headers could’ve been staged at a more central, not to mention enticing, location?

A ground akin to Portlaoise in size or perhaps slightly larger would seem the ideal spot for the staging of the Railway Cup. Again though, location is the problem. With literally players from the four corners of the country involved, the smaller venue which hosts Dublin’s home games should have been called into play.

One wonders how many more off the ball digs it will take to sound the death knell for the games amid the provinces?