O'Halloran steps down as crisis in Meath hurling deepens

Hurling Committee chairman resigns

Well-known Rathmolyon man Martin O'Halloran has stepped away from his role as chairman of the Meath Co Board's hurling committee.

His resignation is another episode in what is a deepening crisis in Meath hurling.

O'Halloran's decision comes just days after Seoirse Bulfin stepped away from managing the team despite the fact that the Royal County side are due to start their McDonagh Cup campaign against Down in a few weeks time.

In a statement the Rathmolyon man issued when he was contacted this morning by the Meath Chronicle on the unfolding situation he said had decided to step down now due "to a change of circumstances, work and personal reasons."

O'Halloran is a passionate hurling man and has been involved with the Meath Hurling Committee (or Hurling Board as it was once known) since 1997 occupying roles such as PRO, vice-chairman and most recently as chairman. This is his fifth year as chairman.

Seoirse Bulfin's management team has also stepped down.

It is understood also the players held a meeting after the recent defeat to Down in Ballycran.

According to the chairman of the Co Board, Jason Plunkett, the process of finding a replacement for Bulfin and his management team is underway. .

"We are in the process of hoping to fill the position and get the senior team ready for the upcoming Joe McDonagh campaign," he said.

This is the last thing Meath hurling team needs as the team prepares for what promises to be a testing campaign against teams such as Down, Kerry, Laois, Westmeath and Offaly.

The focus is now on Meath Co Board to sort out the worsening situation ASAP with little time to waste before the start of the McDonagh Cup - but who is going to take charge of the county team at this stage in the season?