'Derry hurling needs County Board buy-in' - Willie Maher

Hurling in Derry stands at a crossroads, as it faces the challenge of trying to coexist in a county dominated by Gaelic football and soccer, according to the National Head of Hurling Development, Willie Maher.

Despite a talented pool of players and top-class clubs like Slaughtneil, the inter-county hurling team has struggled to tap into its potential, falling short in four of the last five Christy Ring Cup finals, with many of Derry’s dual stars opting for the big ball over the small.

According to Maher, the key to turning this around lies in the county board drafting a clear, focused, and well-supported development plan — one that can unlock the county’s untapped hurling potential and secure a stronger future for the sport.

“Counties have to come up with a robust plan, and then we can then help them develop and grow on the back of that,” Maher said. “Derry is a Gaelic football-dominated county and very soccer-dominated in the city. Hurling needs to be made a focus area in a county development plan.”

“There does also seem to be a reluctance of players to commit to the county hurling team,” Maher added. “It’s probably difficult for their better-known footballers, who are also excellent hurlers, to commit when they are operating at Christy Ring level.

“It would be a huge boost if they could get up to Joe McDonagh level. Players are encouraged to take part on the back of the standard that they are playing.”

A glowing beacon of hope lies in the example set by Slaughtneil, one of Ireland's premier GAA clubs, which has long been the kingpin of Derry hurling.

“Look at Slaughtneil; they could have beaten Sarsfields in the All-Ireland semi-final this year,” said Maher. “They are really ticking all the boxes and hitting all the markers of what a five-star GAA club looks like — and they are offering this in a small rural area. The challenge is trying to get another club or two up to that level."

Derry's senior team have lost four of the last five Christy Ring finals. (Photo: Stephen Marken/Sportsfile)

Another key area of focus that Maher stressed was the importance of grassroots development, particularly in primary schools.

“Targeting primary schools is number one. Specific urban projects are really important. Getting participation in primary schools will really help.”

“Beyond that, there needs to be a big need for an improvement in coaching standards and Cumann na mBunscoil competitions within Derry to give kids the opportunity to play hurling at a high level from age 11 or 12.”

For sustained progress, Maher has called for counties to embed hurling into their overall operational plans submitted annually to Croke Park. In many Gaelic football-dominated counties, this is something that is often overlooked.

 “I would envisage hurling to be a key pillar, with counties coming back with three or four objectives that could be easily hit within a two- to four-year period but measured yearly by Croke Park with funding allocated and incentivised to hit those targets.”

“The challenge is how do we grow the base of players, and then retention becomes an issue once we get them,” Maher said. “It's about working with the Ulster Council, working with me, and working within their county boards to develop a robust plan for hurling.”

Maher, who is also a member of the Hurling Development Committee, tasked with growing the game across Ireland, recently oversaw an initiative that saw the establishment of 45 new hurling units across the country. Derry had three successful applications with Faughanvale, St Malachy’s, Castledawson, and St Aidan’s in Magilligan, all meeting the criteria to receive starter packs.

Ultimately, Maher is optimistic that with the right support and structures in place, Derry hurling can grow stronger and while winning the Christy Ring Cup remains a showcase goal, Maher’s remit focuses on expanding participation.

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“My aim is about growing the numbers and the base of players so that in ten years’ time Derry might have a larger pick of hurlers, and that might make a big difference in winning the Christy Ring and going from strength to strength.”

“We need to identify how we can develop that base, get more players playing, get hurling ingrained into the Derry psyche and give kids the opportunity to play our national sport, which is the ultimate expression of our Irishness. It’s about putting a plan in place now.”

There is a healthy appetite for hurling in the county. (Photo: Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

But this can only happen with strong local support.

“I need the backing of the Derry Games and Development department, Derry County Board, and Ulster Council. There has to be a will within the county - if people want to go hurling - and they have to be given support, and that’s what I aim to do.”