One-day blitz to solve U16 interpros conundrum

A compromise appears to have been reached over the rescheduling of the cancelled U16 girls interprovincial tournament, with a blitz planned for early next month. Tensions ran high as frozen pitches in Kilkenny caused the cancellation of the tournament a couple of weeks ago, with Munster and Ulster choosing to officially recognise their players by giving them badges – even though a ball wasn’t hit in anger – while Leinster did not. An impasse continued over the following week as a number of high-profile figures called for the tournament to be rescheduled, with the IHA footing the bill. But the national body’s competitions committee have found a compromise agreeable to both sides, following consultation with the branches. A one-day blitz will now take place on Sunday, January 4 at Alexandra College in Milltown, with each province playing each other once in a 30-minute match, with all 18 plays in each initial  squad eligible to participate. IHA chief executive Angus Kirkland said the players will now have a chance to showcase their talents in front of Ireland U16s coach Una McCarthy and he management team. “It is great that these underage players will have an opportunity to compete representing their provinces which is a huge honour,” he added. U16 Interpro Blitz, Alexandra College, Milltown (Sunday, January 4) 11am: South East v Leinster; Connacht v Ulster 12pm: Munster v South East; Connacht v Leinster 1.30pm: Ulster v Munster; South East v Connacht 2.30pm: Leinster v Ulster; Munster v Connacht 3.30pm: South East v Ulster; Leinster v Munster