Littleman No blame attached to Coachford whatsoever for the problems in the AUL, they are just capitalising on the weakness of the league and the disorganisation of the other teams. You refer to the clubs that have left the AUL over the last 20 years and their lack of success on the field, however as far as I can recall none of them have looked to come back into the AUL fold. Why would they? better facilities, better playing pitches, proper league structures at both Senior and Junior, better refereeing standard, floodlit games. Why give all that up when teams can just drop out and return a few seasons later with Hibernians, Celtic ,Town or some other addon attached to their former existence to either disappear or perform the same trick a few years later. How many AUL clubs operate with Youth and/or schoolboy teams, answer is very few, These will survive long term either in the AUL or elsewhere. While the others, the majority, are just teams, made up of friends, friends of friends, guys who want a game of ball, train or not train, GAA heads, medal chasers. The mainstays of these teams retire, grow tired of fundraising, collecting scripts, lining pitches etc. the thing then goes belly up and we start the cycle all over again. Mallow Utd & Fermoy celebrate 100 years this season, Buttevant celebrate 50 years, these clubs will continue because they have the history and tradition with structures in place to ensure their survival. It would not be fair of me not to mention that Grattan Utd in the AUL also mark the 100 year since their foundation this season, every time I see their name in the media, I think of Dinny 'Pops' O'Neill, an inspiring football man. I hope they and their likes continue in league football for a very long time.