Brennan calls for fans to back Meath hurling after turbulent spell
New manager Steven Clynch faces big task in McDonagh Cup campaign
The secretary of the Meath Hurling Committee Colin Brennan has called on members of the hurling fraternity in particular and the GAA community in general to get behind Meath teams in forthcoming games.
Brennan has made the call after what has been a turbulent week for the small-ball game in the county with Seoirse Bulfin stepping down as manager of the Meath senior side while the chairman of the Hurling Committee Martin O'Halloran also resigned.
Bulfin has been replaced for the time being by Steven Clynch who has stepped in to fill the role of ahead of the McDonagh Cup campaign which gets underway on Sunday 21st April when Meath are due to take on Down at Ballycran.
They then welcome Laois to Pairc Tailteann followed by another home clash this time against Offaly. As starts go it couldn't get much more difficult.
The role of chairman of the Hurling Committee has been filled on a temporary basis by John Brennan who was vice-chair.
Clynch - who is one of the finest hurlers to have ever played for Meath and was ratified as manager on Tuesday night - will be assisted by Kiltale's Trevor Cummins. Their appointment is just for this summer's campaign.
Last year Clynch served as a selector on Bulfin's backroom team as the Christy Ring Cup and the NHL Div 2B double was achieved.
Before the McDonagh Cup gets underway the Meath minor and u-20 teams have crunch championship games at Pairc Tailteann this Saturday. The minors take on Westmeath while the u-20s face Derry.
"We want to try and get as many people as possible in supporting the two teams on Saturday," said the Hurling Committee secretary. "The players and respective management teams deserve as much support as they can get because of the effort they have put in.
"The minors did very well indeed losing narrowly to Offaly the other week while the u-20s played brilliantly too in bouncing back against Westmeath to earn a draw. They were two very encouraging displays so it would be great to see people turn out in force to support them."
Despite the events of the last week Colin Brennan is optimistic about Meath hurling and where it is heading. Very optimistic.
"Everything is looking very promising in Meath hurling as far as I can see. The quality of young players coming through now is very impressive.
"That's down to all the coaching they are getting within their clubs and within the county structures as well - so full marks to all the clubs, the coaches, for working towards producing all these fine young hurlers that are emerging at the moment - and there are a lot more on the way."
Brennan paid tribute to Martin O'Halloran for his contribution as Hurling Committee chairman.
"I'd like to thank Martin for everything he did over the last number of years for hurling in the county, he was a driving force in the way he was tireless in promoting the game in Meath. We thank him for everything he did."
The Hurling Committee secretary also wished Steven Clynch and Trevor Gilsenan the best of luck as they face into the formidable challenge of leading Meath into a McDonagh Cup campaign that's full of pitfalls and hefty challenges - as that starting schedule underlines.