Fermanagh 'shocked' by GAA's proposal to exclude five counties from hurling league

Fermanagh GAA have said they are "shocked and disappointed" at the GAA's proposal that any county with fewer than five adult hurling teams should be excluded from the Allianz League and consigned to the fifth-tier Lory Meagher Cup only from 2025 onwards, and have called it for it to be rejected.

If Central Council passes the recommendation, it would see the Erne County join Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Louth with an inter-county season reduced from six to three months.

Louth are the only one of the counties that will play above Lory Meagher level this year.

Fermanagh GAA held a special meeting of the county committee last night to discuss the proposals from the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) on hurling development in weaker counties. Representatives from the county hurling team management and players were also in attendance.

The meeting was unanimous in calling for the proposals to be rejected and they have urged all counties to them in voting against the proposal at the Ard Chomhairle meeting on 2 December.

In a statement they said: "Fermanagh GAA wish to put on record of our shock and disappointment at the proposals. We do not concur that we were appropriately consulted on a proposal of this magnitude to remove Fermanagh from the Allianz Hurling League prior to them being presented at the Ard Chomhairle meeting of 4 November.

"Fermanagh GAA have worked extremely hard with our small base of volunteers over the last number of years to develop sustainable hurling structures to allow the game to grow and flourish. This year along with our seven underage clubs we have three adult clubs participating in Championships.

"Along with our well-established hurling club of Lisbellaw St.Patrick’s, we were able to recommence