CARLOW HURLING received a glowing endorsement from GAA president Christy Cooney who was in the Talbot Hotel on Saturday to present medals to the Ring Cup team which retained the All-Ireland level two championship last July when defeating Down in the final in Croke Park final.

'The work for the promotion of hurling in the so-called weaker counties, including Carlow, at underage and in the schools is second to none and I congratulate you for the efforts you made last few years.'

He said it was very important that hurling would become stronger in Carlow and he encouraged the clubs to support the game and county teams.

The Corkonian stressed that be believed wholeheartedly in he dual player in the association. 'I see no reason why players cannot play both,' he said.

Referring to the 125th anniversary in Thurles the following day, Cooney wondered if any of the founders back then could have envisaged who strong Gaelic games would become, not only in the home clubs but the 350 overseas in what he described as the 'strongest voluntary organisation in the world.'

He emphasised the pride and passion with which players should represent their families, clubs and communities. 'There's no feeling like it.'

It was his fifth visit to Carlow since taking office and recalled he wonderful 125th exhibition of trophies and historical date in he Dr. Cullen Park exhibition which he formally opened.

Addressing the Carlow hurlers he congratulated them for retaining the Ring Cup. 'It is never easy to win a second time. You were very worthy of your win against Down and by that you have set a new standard, a new expectancy as to how you will perform next year.'

He expressed his support for Carlow hurling which took the opportunity when it presented itself and he promised to watch them playing Laois in the opening round of the Leinster senior championship. 'It will be a very big challenge against what is a v next year.'

He expressed his support for Carlow hurling which took the opportunity when it presented itself and he promised to watch them playing Laois in the opening round of the Leinster senior championship. 'It will be a very big challenge against what is a very improved team. But now you have higher mountains to climb and that will take even more dedication, fitness and skill.'

Cooney asked his audience to spare a thought for those who founded and developed the association they enjoy today, and what contribution the present generation can make to forging even a stronger organisation for he future generations. 'A lot of people will look to the Carlow hurlers and the standards they will expect from them and you in turn should be conscious of the role you play and the example you will set.'

The president closed by noting that only one disciplinary issue was referred to the DRA which he claimed was testimony to the sportsmanship in Gaelic games, and felt the GAA could look forward in a very positive way as to where it is going in the future.

Carlow chairman Pat Deering said it had been a long time ambition of Carlow hurlers to compete with the elite and said it was due in no small way to the work at underage levels by Club Ceatharlach. 'And we should remember those who did that work, like Eoin Garvey, Tommy Buggy Tom Mullally and Club chairman PJ Fox; people who laid the foundations.'

Deering stressed the achievement of retaining the Ring Cup. 'It was a marvellous achievement and could not have been done without commitment from the players,' adding his acknowledgment of manager Kevin Ryan and his selectors Seamus Brennan and Cyril Hughes; Ryan a selector on the Ireland Shinty team which defeated Scotland in Inverness on Saturday by 1-11 to 1-8 – their first win for five years.

The chairman said they should appreciate their sponsors, Stone Developments, the Friends of Carlow GAA and Dooley Motors and all others who had contributed financially.

'We have many challenges ahead and opportunities also, and seeing how well Laois have done gives our players something to aspire to get past the first round of the Leinster championship, and from there who knows.'

Carlow board president Very Rev. Moling Lennon, who reminded all that he played for Carlow in the early '50s, and recalled paying six pence into the 1939 all-Ireland final, emphasised the importance of the basic skills of hurling.

He delighted in Carlow defeating Down in the Ring Cup final in that the team did not play all that well which was, for him, a good sign in that they can be far better.

He encouraged the hurlers to follow the skills of Kilkenny who had taken hurling to a far higher level.

Selector Cyril Hughes echoed the feeling of the management when saying it had been a pleasure to be involved with the players for the last two years. 'It was almost like dealing with a club team for he bond the players had forged,' adding that they had already taken the first step towards preparing for '01.

'We were 12th in he league last season and next year we hope to go even better,' recalling that the difference between the successful team of '62 which won the all-Ireland IHC title, that this one, unlike '62 will continue on.

'We have to set realistic bars but at worst we must finish mid-table and hopefully beat Laois in the championship,' he concluded.

Members of the Ring Cup panel, in no particular orders, were: Mark Brennan, Eddie Kane, Jack Kavanagh, Hugh Paddy O'Byrne, Micheal Ryan, Paul Kehoe, David Miley, Richard Kelly, Colin Hughes, John Coady, Richard Coady, Edward Coady, James Kane, Eddie Byrne, Frank Foley, Willie Hickey, Shane Kavanagh, Des Shaw, John Rogers, Derek Byrne, James Hickey, Damien Roberts, Ruairi Dunbar, Craig Doyle, Andrew Gaul, Robbie Foley and Paudie Kehoe, who was top scorer in the Ring Cup with 4-25.

Team skipper Mark Brennan ended the evening by acknowledging, 'never have I come across a group so dedicated, and already they are asking when the '10 effort will begin.'

The Naomh Brid player said he and his colleagues were grateful for the support of the public at their matches, 'and we hope you all be there nest year also,' concluding by asking the players to stand and applaud that support.