Hanley gets the nod as hurling league dispute rumbles on
by Kieran Galvin Updated: Wednesday, 12th October, 2011 5:30pm
On the night when Brian Hanley was ratified as Westmeath senior hurling manager for next season, there was also considerable debate over the thorny issue of the National Hurling League format.
Central Council delegate Seamus " Faoláin told last week's county board meeting that Westmeath's clubs had previously guided him to vote in a certain way, and the proposal they supported was duly carried.
"The big powers in hurling, most especially Limerick, were not happy with the situation. They organised a caucus meeting in Thurles and they're trying to change the decision of the Central Council," said " Faoláin.
"You were asked to instruct your Central Council delegate to vote and I'm sure that happened all over Ireland. That decision didn't please some counties, so they decided to challenge it. I think it's a bit much. I'm disappointed with the attitude of the 'nearly counties' - you would think that it's beneath them to play the likes of Westmeath and Carlow."
" Faoláin said a meeting is to be held on the following Tuesday (October 11), at which delegates will vote on a motion from the eight protesting counties and one from the management committee.
In August, it was agreed that Division 1 of the NHL would be broadened to include 12 teams and then split into two groups of six (Division 1A and 1B). The 'elite counties' want the league to be run on the same basis as 2010, with divisions of eight teams based on the standings at the conclusion of this year's campaign. The management committee's motion ('motion two') is the same as the format agreed in August - but with the addition of quarter-finals and semi-finals.
If neither motion gets a two thirds majority, the original decision of the Central Council will stand.
Westmeath GAA chairman Tom Farrell said the actions of the protesting counties were "a bit high-handed", describing it as an example of "democracy unravelling". "If we looked to have a special caucus meeting, we'd be kicked out the door," he said.
Limerick won the Division 2 title earlier this year which they thought would earn them promotion to Division 1 for 2012. Wexford managed to avoid relegation from Division 1 but, like Limerick, they will find themselves in Division 1B next year if the Central Council decision stands.
Westmeath were relegated from Division 2 last year but, under the format agreed by the Central Council last August, they will avoid demotion to Division 3 and will operate in a streamlined Division 2.
After it was stated Limerick had threatened to withdraw from the league, Des Briody (Killucan/Raharney) said "we shouldn't put up with bullying like that". However, Tony Robinson (hurling board delegate) said Limerick "do have a grievance".
The delegates agreed that Mr " Faoláin should vote for 'motion two' with the option of supporting the current situation if that is proposed.
Earlier in the meeting, Brian Hanley was ratified as Westmeath senior hurling manager for 2012. Tony Robinson said that Hanley was given the green light by clubs at the recent hurling board meeting, and he was duly appointed at last week's county board meeting. Hanley's selectors for next season have yet to be named.
Meanwhile, the backroom team of Westmeath senior football manager Pat Flanagan is expected to be finalised within the next few weeks. Tom Farrell said he hopes selectors will be formally appointed at the next county board meeting in November.
In relation to the management team of the Westmeath minor footballers for next season, St Mary's delegate Paddy Whelehan called for "a serious look" to be taken at this grade. "I beg you to do that. We've had good young players for the last two or three years but they were not handled right," he said.
