By Michael McMullan

IF this year was one of progression in Ulster hurling circles, then 2023 marks the real test.

Most people outside the hurling circles in Ulster won’t care, but the game has pulled up at a crossroads.

For all the positives, there is a concern.

Taking Derry to the backroads of Fermanagh for a national final represents where the small ball game rests.

It’s no slight on Ederney, who had their pitch in excellent condition, with organisation and hospitality to match.

But it was an afterthought by the GAA. Four days out and still no venue was finalised, with the fixture announced after other county grounds hung up their ‘pitch closed’ signs.

Derry defender Conor Kelly hailed of the quality of Ederney’s pitch, while joint manager Dominic McKinley strongly questioned why the GPA didn’t fight for Derry and Sligo hurlers’ venue cause with the same gusto they pursue players’ proper mileage allowance.

And by the time Colum Cunnning threw in the sliotar, there was a full round of Derry senior football games fixed for two hours later.

Only the Na Magha players on the Oakleafers’ matchday 26 didn’t have clubmates playing in the big ball game back home.

To be fair to Derry CCC, how were they meant to plan for 16 clubs, with four days notice, when the county only has eight clubs that play hurling.

With none of the football games staggered – needing both clubs to agree – to Friday or Sunday, it left making the journey to Ederney impossible for any club footballer wanting to travel.

Would the same thing have happened if Rory Gallagher’s side were playing Galway in Croke Park? I think not.

That aside, it was a terrific weekend for hurling across Ulster.  All three goals scored in Ederney were of the highest quality and a frantic spell in the second quarter was was point for point, as play flashed from end to end.

Consolidation, pushing on or taking themselves to the next level have all been remarks I’ve heard from the various inter-county camps over the last week.

Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone were all promoted at the weekend, marking progress on three fronts across Ulster.

They didn’t make it to Division One, but Down’s progress in Division 2A has been excellent. Ronan Sheehan has put in a serious shift, got the best players out wearing the jersey, drafted in u-17s from the Celtic Challenge teams and added Ryan O’Dwyer to his backroom team to freshen it up.

PROGRESS…Down have made progress under Ronan Sheehan and Ryan O’Dwyer

Antrim salvaged their season when it mattered. After their showings against the likes of Waterford and Kilkenny, there was an epic fail against Laois before they looked deep inside themselves to find a way past Offaly.

Add in Donegal not being far from the mix and Armagh being in final. On the club scene, Sleacht Néill pushed Ballygunner all the way.

If ever the GAA had an opportunity to grow the game in Ulster, it is now. Not next year, but right now.

An introduction of an Ulster Club League, at different levels, with games once every three weeks would increase meaningful for players at their own level.

It would be a great start.

The Ulster inter-county championship also needs to make a return, with a prize of a place in the Liam McCarthy for the winners.

Yes, Antrim would be favourites every year, but sure the Leinster Football Championship managed to survive with a similar dominance from the Dubs.

Counties also need to help themselves, but the GAA should appoint a dedicated hurling delegate in every county and fund travel to a central location where counties can play challenge games against higher level opponents.

The GAA reached out to help Dublin football because the game ‘needed’ them.

Just as the game of hurling needs Ulster and this is the time to reach out the olive branch.

READ MORE – Derry must maximise their opportunity to build. Click here…