Delegates reject plans for change

Westmeath delegates attending next week-end"s special GAA Congress in Croke Park have been mandated to reject all of the proposals which have put forward by Central Council.At a meeting of Westmeath County Board in Cusack Park last Wednesday night, there was wholesale opposition to plans to include Galway and Antrim in a newly constituted Leinster Hurling Championship, which would not include Westmeath. The moves to alter the administering of cards was also rejected while moves to introduce a new grade at Under 20 found little support.In front of a well attended meeting, County Board Chairman, Mr. Tom Farrell contended that the County Executive had no agenda and would be voting according to the wishes of the delegates next weekend.It was the proposal from the Hurling Development Committee to consider Galway and Antrim"s entry into the Leinster camp which raised the loudest objection with Hurling Board Chairman, Mr. Billy Foley who expressed the belief that the proposal was not well thought out. 'There is some excellent work being done by the HDC and Paudie Butler but they did not discuss with Galway. This is ludicous. If Galway were to reject the proposal, they will be excluded from the Liam McCarthy Cup.Earlier, Martin Carey, representing Southern Clubs said his club is not against the principle of allowing the additional counties to compete in Leinster as long as Westmeath were accommodated. 'It is our view that the Christy Ring winners should be allowed direct entry into the Liam McCarthy Cup.Castletown-Geoghgegan delegate, Eamon Clarke and Raharney"s John Donoghue said their clubs were also opposed to the move.Central Council delegate, Liam Martin said the reason the issue has arisen is because 'there are real problems with the standards of hurling in the country. If we bar both Galway and Antrim how will it help to promote hurling in Westmeath'.Mr. Martin pointed out that Westmeath will be playing in a very competitive Division 2 in the coming season. 'This is a big step forward for the county and is recognition of the great efforts to promote hurling in Westmeath', claimed Mr. Martin.Chairman, Mr. Farrell recalled that two years ago Westmeath fought tooth and nail to ensure automatic promotion to the Liam McCarthy Cup for the Christy Ring Cup winners 'but other counties in the Christy Ring Cup did not support us'.When Mr. Farrell called for a show of hands on the matter, the proposal to include Galway and Antrim was overwhelmingly rejected.No change in relation to disciplinary proceduresThe proposal to make some changes in relation to issuing of cards by match officials, was also rejected by the delegates. Under the new proposed guidelines, players who are sent off in a game can be replaced. It was stated that the thinking behind the new move is to protect 'the good player'.The Chairman, Mr. Farrell noted that when the sin bin was in vogue a couple of seasons back, it produced the highest scoring league for some time.Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall delegate, Mr. Gerry Coyne expressed the view that the move will benefit the stronger counties, who have stronger panels.Mr. Dave Doolin, St. Loman"s, Mullingar said the sin bin, in his view, was a cop out, which allowed referees to send off players without having to take the flak. 'When are they going to get tough?', he enquired.Former County Secretary, Pat Collins supported Mr. Coyne"s view. 'I don"t see any real merit in the proposed changes', he added.Mr. Tom Hunt, Mullingar Shamrocks said the changes proposed would help to eliminate certain type of fouls, particularly 'sloppy, lazy fouls such as pulling opponents down.'It will make players work on their game, on their tackling and it will make for a more skilful game'. contended Mr. Hunt.Mr. Stephen Ennis, Ballinagore feld that any change which was to take place should concentrate on one person - the referee. 'We should be trying to make his job easier, not harder', proclaimed Mr. Ennis.Supported by Mr. Joe Burke, The Downs, Mr. Hunt proposed that Westmeath vote for the new change but the delegates favour a proposal to reject the move, tabled by Mr. Dave Doolin, seconded by Mr. Coyne.Delegates reject age group changeThere was also little support for the plans to introduce a new Under 20 age group. Delegates recalled that plans put forward by Central Council in recent years to eliminate the Under 21 grade had been shot down and this was a fresh attempt to bring in change.