Development strategy 'massive' for hurling - McManus

Neil McManus made his Antrim senior debut against Dublin in 2007

Former Antrim star Neil McManus says a new national hurling development strategy will hopefully result in the growth of the sport.

McManus is a member of the Hurling Development Committee, which was joined by GAA president Jarlath Burns at Croke Park on Wednesday as plans, including a new role of National Head of Hurling, were announced.

Expanding the number of hurling clubs and increasing the number of teams participating in the Liam McCarthy Cup are also among the aims.

"It's massive - we've been wanting to let people know what the Hurling Development Committee is about and we've been working behind the scenes for almost a year now, trying to get structures in place that will allow us to grow the game," said McManus.

"We need to make sure that every young person that is born or living in this country gets the chance to play this wonderful game."

McManus said there were "positives and negatives" including last week's announcement by the UK government that it would not be providing funding for Casement Park to be redeveloped in time for Euro 2028.

"About 30 new hurling clubs have been developed in Ulster over the last decade, which is a real positive although some of them are fighting for their lives and trying to survive," he added.

"Casement Park not being developed is a massive blow to gaelic games in the north - it's going to have an impact.

"We need more Ulster teams challenging to to be in the stronger competitions. We only really have Antrim at the minute and while that's very important that we do have representation there we need more and that's one of the issues that this development committee is looking to address."

McManus brought his 16-year Antrim career to an end last summer after retiring from inter-county duty.

But the 36-year-old is back in the Saffrons set-up after being named as sports performance coach under new manager Davy Fitzgerald.

"I'm delighted to be involved with Antrim again - I'm really excited. We've a great group of players, a lot of lads I'm really close to and I want to help them fulfil their potential.

"We've not found the ceiling with this team. This is an incredibly talented group of young players but it's going to take some time to get to a raised level of competition and I don't think anyone is expecting anything other than that."