‘Equitable treatment’ of hurlers paramount to success - Cormac Hartnett 

Hurling Officer Cormac Hartnett has praised the Donegal county board and chairperson Mary Coughlan for the manner in which they’ve backed the senior hurlers in 2024. 

In his report to Convention 2024 - to be held in Pettigo next Wednesday evening - the Dungloe clubman says a direct correlation can be drawn between that success on the field and the board’s backing off it. 

However, he stresses with the Donegal senior hurlers climbing the ranks in 2025, that attention to detail will need even more assistance as they look to keep their fortunes on an upward trajectory.   

“The success of this senior team in 2023 and more so in 2024 is no coincidence. The continued equitable treatment of this team has allowed increased professionalism to develop. 

“And the support offered by the county board in areas of public relations, funding, and logistics has been expressly acknowledged by manager Micky McCann. 

“Our chairperson, Mary Coughlan, echoing the repeated sentiments of GAA president Jarlath Burns, said on her appointment that she would work to promote and develop hurling in Donegal. 

“She has married her words with actions thus far and I’m grateful to her and the board as a group for that. 

“There can be no doubt that this commitment of the board and county committee will be required again Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall C.L.G. 67 Tuarascáil Oifigeach Iománaíochta 2024 and indeed at a higher level as Donegal senior hurlers face into undoubtedly their toughest year ever and by dint of their tremendous success and promotions in both league and championship last year. 

“They will require further development matched with increased resources and support on that journey. 

“It is reassuring that all of the above managers have agreed to remain in place for 2025 and I would like to wish them and their management teams and squads ongoing success and development”. 

Hartnett says that while adult hurling structures in Donegal right now are firm and progressive, those currently beneath the underage umbrella need real assistance and guidance. 

“The underage hurling structures within the county do not currently shine as bright with many clubs struggling at present. 

“The inception of the new Academy structure is one that must succeed and provide assistance and support to the development of underage Hurling in general and in clubs in particular where it has wobbled of late. 

“County Committee last Autumn passed governance documents entitled "The Donegal GAA Football and Hurling Academy” with its goal to provide our young players with an environment where they can flourish as people and sports stars and encourage a lifelong ambition for participation in GAA. 

“I'd encourage you all to read this important document. It was amended at county committee to accommodate the inception of a Hurling steering group and a football steering group with well-known and respected persons from each code appointed to the respective groups and the coaching officer and games development manager being common to both. 

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“I’m working with the coaching officer, Damian Diver and the GDM, Declan Bushell, and Marty McGrath in the Academy, on incentivising and supporting schools and clubs to commence or further develop Hurling in their areas and with further assistance and resources anticipated from Croke park to support this initiative. 

Progress here will be measured in increased numbers participating at club level, retention of players as they grow older and an increase in the number of clubs fielding in particular at underage. 

“It is a notable fact that these metrics have not been advantageous to development in the last five years of underage. 

“It should be noted that half of our clubs have connectivity to hurling through regularisation and this must be built upon. 

“We will, as mentioned in 2025, address the issue of the further integration of hurling into our clubs and later in anticipation of further integration of the CA and LGFA”.