Future bright in east claims Galway boss
GALWAY U21 manager Tony Ward believes the Tribesmen are going to benefit in the years ahead from their increased involvement in Leinster.
His men captured the Leinster title in dramatic fashion with an extra-time 4-21 to 2-26 win against Wexford on Wednesday night to crown their first season in the competition.
Now Galway officials are expected to push to have their minors also included in the Leinster Championship, ten years after the seniors made the move to the province.
Ward (inset), said: “It’s brilliant. We will go anywhere to play in Leinster. We have always said it, we need the extra games. That is what brings players on and we will see the benefits in the years ahead.
“We have only had four U21 games in the last four years. Now, regardless of what happens in the All-ireland semi-final, we have four Championship games this summer. You can’t place a value on that experience. This is what Galway have been missing.
“It’s brilliant for Galway hurling. When you see where our seniors are at the minute, to keep this conveyor belt coming up into it.
“The big secret for Galway hurling in the last two years since Micheal Donoghue took over is the connection for the U21s and the seniors.”