For a county like Waterford it was a massive boost that the U21 panel were victorious in their quest to win the U21 All Ireland title this year. After the senior team getting so close to beating Kilkenny this year and losing out in an All Ireland semi final the county was very upset that they had failed to make the final again.

Having won the minor title 3 years previous there was a massive favourite tag going along with the team. In fairness to them they never let it hinder them as the cruised through the Munster and All Ireland with Tipperary being the team to come closest to them and even at that they ran out 10 point victors. By cruising through like they did it earned them 8 players named on the U21 team of the year and Stephen Bennett earning himself Player of the year. Also in that team you had the current Hurler and Young Hurler of the year Austin Gleeson who controlled all the games from centre back.

With this team winning an All Ireland title it has brought hope and has lifted the spirits in the county that these players can progress on into the senior team and drive that team on to win a senior All Ireland title in the next few years.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Is it me or does everyone dislike playing the game of hurling at this time of year? I know personally I wouldn’t be a fan of it. Over the last number of years I have experienced a lot of winter hurling by being involved with a Fitzgibbon team and also playing Walsh cup and Munster league. Last year we played two Fitzgibbon cup matches against WIT and UCD and the rain fell for hours and hour both days along with the temperatures going below 0.

In my opinion each year games should be finished by the end of October, and not begin again until late February when the weather starts to pick up again. The game just isn’t the same during the winter as it is in summer. The game is way slower and skill levels are a lot less with balls spraying and slipping off the hurley. Attendance levels are also at a lower level at this time of year because the interest isn’t there for people to go.

I think it is something that the GAA should look at and see if it actually realistic. From a current players point of view I would really enjoy if there was a proper off season in the GAA and leave the hurling be done during the summer.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.