Coach fears new rules on amalgamations will turn young players away

The recent tightening of regulations around the participation of independent teams at under-age level in Cork runs the risk of turning young players away from Gaelic games, a Cork coach fears.

Limited numbers have led to Carraig na bhFear combining with White’s Cross in recent times to form St Colmcille’s from U12-U21. While the recent recommendations of the new monitoring committee have permitted the combination from U14 upwards, in 2026 the clubs must compete at U12 level under their own steam.

Ricky Forde, along with Emmet McCarthy, has been coaching the 2014-born Carraig na bhFear boys since 2019, but last year at U10 level proved problematic in terms of arranging games, with just five boys on the age and an average of six players at a given training session.

“Despite these challenges, we continued to run sessions out of respect for the boys’ dedication and enthusiasm,” Forde says.

“However, the lack of numbers severely limited our ability to conduct meaningful training or organise matches - both of which are essential for player development and motivation. 

Between June 8 and August 22, 2024 we were unable to secure a single match for our group. This is a critical period when players should be mastering skills and enjoying the game 

“We were unable to merge with the age group below due to scheduling conflicts with matches at their own age along with soccer and rugby.” 

With their White’s Cross counterparts, under Donal Looney and Barry Hegarty, experiencing similar problems, the clubs joined forces for U11 in 2025, a year earlier than usual.

“This decision allowed us to create a healthy platform for players to develop at the right level,” Forde says.

“We have already seen first-hand an increase in player confidence, skill development and match participation “The logistical challenges of organising games have disappeared and the boys are now thriving in an environment that truly supports their growth. 

Since forming the independent team, we have consistently maintained a panel of 22 players, giving each child the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy the game at the right level.”

Taking into account players born in 2015 and 2016, Carraig na bhFear were deemed by the committee to have sufficient numbers to compete on their own at U12 next year.

“On a technical level, their assessment may be correct and I am not blind to the numbers,” Forde says.

“However, based on our first-hand experience, we know this is simply not feasible. Despite raising genuine concerns, our voices are being ignored and the realities facing smaller clubs like ours are not being acknowledged.” 

IDENTITY

And, while fears of clubs’ identities being lost are a major factor in the moves towards fewer amalgamations, Forde feels they have been over-exaggerated.

“The county board insists that combining clubs into independent teams dilutes local identity,” he says.

“Identity is not a logo on a jersey — it is participation. A child who is excluded because their club cannot field a team will not grow up to represent that club. A child who plays, develops and enjoys the game in an independent team will.

“As a club, our delegates run numerous initiatives to ensure that children feel a strong sense of identity with their local team. For example, we host an annual fun day for juveniles and their parents, creating a community spirit around the club. When children first attend the local primary school, they are presented with hurleys bearing our club logo, reinforcing that connection from the very beginning.

“We are proud and passionate about our club and its identity, but our priority is to make it sustainable so that players remain engaged and do not drift away to other sports.

“I believe the Cork County Board risk undermining the very future of Gaelic Games at a time when children need sport more than ever.”