Michael McShane joined Shane Stapleton to reflect on their Derry hurling title win over Sunday against Kevin Lynch’s, and why the provincial and All-Ireland club series should be played this season.
Slaughtneil manager Michael McShane has called on the GAA to restore the provincial and All-Ireland club series this season.
In the aftermath of Covid-19, it was decided to play county competitions only, meaning Ballyhale Shamrocks and Corofin will not be given an opportunity to add to their honours list.
McShane’s crew won their eighth Derry county hurling title in a row at the weekend with an 0-23 to 0-11 over Kevin Lynch’s, but their small-ball season now comes to an end.
That is a bitter pill to swallow for a side that has won three of the past four Ulster SHC titles, and has been competitive in their subsequent All-Ireland semi-final clashes.
As things stand, they will be denied a chance to add another provincial crown, and to make another push at winning the biggest medal of them all.
I sincerely hope the @officialgaa will revisit their decision not to play the provincial club championships for 2020. No reason whatsoever why the provincial and AI series cannot be played to a conclusion through January/February after the IC season ends @ClubPlayerAssoc
— Michael McShane (@MichaelMcShane7) September 15, 2020
McShane tweeted his frustration at his season being over, was asked why he chose this moment to tweet, and if other managers are thinking the same way.
“You’ve no right to speak about it until you’re in a position where you’re involved in it,” McShane exclusively tells OurGame of speaking up about there being no provincial and All-Ireland club series this season.
“I was asked numerous times before last Sunday but we were only focused on winning our county title, as we do every year.
“Now that we have won it, we’re the reigning Ulster champions and we’d love to defend it.
“No manager is going speak up until they’re county champions, and as each weekend passes more managers will hopefully stand up and say what I’m saying.
“I think it’s unfair on the club players and the teams that have won their championships that the season ends there.
“I understand it’s a difficult situation this year, it’s a bespoke situation, but the inter-county season ends on December 20 with the All-Ireland football final and I think the provincial and All-Ireland club could be played through January and February. You only need five weekends.”
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