Galway get bigger slice of summer action at last

GALWAY hurlers were the biggest winners of the landmark decisions taken in Croke Park last Saturday. Not only are the All-Ireland champions guaranteed two games in Pearse Stadium next summer, given the new Championship format, but their Under 21s will now be competing in the Leinster Championship. Their entry to the U21 provincial competition was approved by 72 per cent of delegates at the Special Congress while their minor team will also feature in a new round-robin All-Ireland quarter-final system, that was approved by 92pc of delegates. Galway underage sides have been hampered by a lack of games as they enter the Championship fray in late July or August. However, Special Congress gave their stamp of approval to the Tribesmen entering the Leinster U21 competition — along with any Ulster teams as agreed by the Ulster and Leinster councils. A Cork motion, passed with 78pc in favour, sees the Leinster U21 winners face the Munster runners-up and the Munster champions taking on the Leinster runners-up at the All-Ireland semi-finals. The changes to the minor hurling Championships will see it organised in two provincial competitions, Munster and Leinster. Ulster sides will be allowed to compete in Leinster. The benefit for Galway involves them entering the All-Ireland quarter-finals in a round-robin series with the beaten Leinster and Munster finalists. This will ensure that the Galway minors will get at least two Championship games.