Nenagh CBS manager raises concerns over workload on young Tipperary hurlers

Nenagh CBS manager Donach O'Donnell has expressed serious concerns over the demands being placed on young hurlers, claiming that the current workload is unfair on players and could have long-term consequences for Tipperary hurling.

O'Donnell was speaking to Clubber TV following his side's impressive opening-round victory over Midleton CBS in the Dr Harty Cup in Kilmallock on Thursday afternoon, where the defending champions made a winning start to their title defence.

Despite being pleased with the character shown by his young side, particularly after Midleton had reeled off six unanswered points at the beginning of the second half, the Nenagh manager was keen to highlight what he believes is a growing issue surrounding player welfare.

"We have a lot of new players, and they made really good debuts. I think it's very difficult this time of year to manage the load on our players. We had a real problem," O'Donnell said.

The Nenagh CBS manager revealed that he has already held discussions with Tipperary senior hurling manager Eoin Kelly regarding the issue, having enjoyed a positive working relationship with former manager Brendan Cummins last year.

"I've already had two meetings with Eoin Kelly, in fairness to him, and he's been very good with us and talking about the load and minding our young players for the future. I had a great relationship with Brendan Cummins last year.

"We had eight on the panel last year and were able to manage that load very well."

However, O'Donnell was particularly frustrated that four members of his starting team had travelled to Thurles for a gym session on Wednesday, less than 24 hours before their opening Harty Cup fixture.

"We had four of our starters travel over to Thurles yesterday to do a gym session three months out from the championship.

"It's really unfair on those young fellas. It's not helping our young fellas. It's not helping the school. And it's definitely not going to help Tipp long term if they're going to dog kids like that."

The comments come at a particularly busy period for young hurlers, with school competitions getting underway while many players are also juggling commitments with their clubs and county development squads.

For Nenagh CBS, the challenge of managing those demands is particularly significant this season, with O'Donnell overseeing a much-changed squad following last year's Harty Cup success.

Thursday's victory over Midleton was an encouraging indication of the talent coming through the school, but the Nenagh manager believes greater consideration must be given to the physical demands being placed on young players.

He called for action to address the situation, expressing frustration that the issue has not received greater attention.

"It's really important that someone does something about it. And no one is saying anything. And it's just happening, and it's just, it's not good enough."