Hurlers withdraw from Championship

Eoghan Rua have withdrawn from this year's Derry senior hurling championship.
Eoghan Rua and Glemore players battle for the ball
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall FarmerEoghan Rua and Glemore players battle for the ball
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Eoghan Rua and Glemore players battle for the ball Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Club Secretary Kevin Mullan confirmed last year’s All-Ireland Junior hurling finalists would not be competing this year due to a number of factors.

“It’s a combination of things. With Padraig (O’Mainain) stepping down we haven’t been able to get someone in place,” said Mullan.

“We do genuinely have a few injuries. Sean Leo (McGoldrick) is out and will be struggling for the football championship. Ruairi Leonard, Ruairi Mooney is struggling, Conor Boyle and a few boys that played in that All-Ireland campaign as well.

“To be competitive at that level we need all our players playing. We have nine or ten that are dual but it is a numbers game for us.

It wasn’t a decision taken lightly and with a football championship clash with Ballinascreen down for decision on Sunday August 21, Mullan highlights the extent of the crossover in players.

“The five McGoldricks, Niall Holly, Leonard, Mooney, Ciaran Gaile, Conor Carey and Declan Mullan. That’s ten or eleven boys and nine of those boys will start in the (football) championship.

“Banagher would be the only other club with that many key players playing both and once we go outside of that we don’t have as strong a backup of ‘hurling only’ players.”

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