Down hurling manager Ronan Sheehan feels that the Government's allocation of just under €750,000 to grow hurling in non-traditional areas should be used strategically to include middle-tier counties along with those who compete in the Lory Meagher or Nicky Rackard Cups.
The GAA had looked for a higher figure than the allocated funds but it is hoped that such investment can be made more regularly.
Yesterday’s budget set aside €750,000 to go towards growing hurling in non-traditional areas and Sheehan praised national head of hurling Willie Maher and those involved in securing funding.
The association has targeted growing the number of hurling units by 30 per year for the next five years and bringing the game into over 2,000 primary schools.
This year, 45 new units have already started playing the sport while another 75 existing clubs received a refresher pack, in a total investment of €95,000.
The GAA feels an opportunity exists for the organisation and the Government to act together to sustain Gaelic games, support rural Ireland, provide for youth opportunity, and balance regional development.
"It’s positive news overall," said Down boss Sheehan, who led his county back to top-flight league hurling next year for the first time since 2007.
"Any investment in the game is welcome and one critical item is that Willie has control over where money is directed.
"Non-traditional counties have been mentioned but I would examine what defines a traditional area," Sheehan added.
"Kerry is obviously a football county, but it has traditional hurling areas.
"Carlow has its strongholds too, but should the GAA also look at redirecting money to Carlow town where there is a big population?
"I know counties who play in the Nicky Rackard or Lory Meagher Cups will be on the radar for such funds but some of this money could also be used to strengthen middle-tier counties.
"I’m talking of counties where there is now a population to grow the game, even if they haven’t always had a significant traditional presence.
"Overall, though, it’s a really positive sign that the Government has committed to the special status of the game, and I hope they build on that in future years.
"I also hope that extra money will also be made available from the association itself to support the work that Willie and his team are doing."
Key objectives on the hurling side now centre on providing games opportunities for players; club support and development; building self-sufficiency and sustainability; cultivating the culture and heritage of the game, and equalising access to performance supports for players and coaches.
Watch the Tipperary Hurling Championship semi-final, Loughmore-Castleiney v Holycross-Ballycahill, on Saturday from 4pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
