THE last few years have seen many calls for a reduction in the GAA calendar at the top level, but former Cork goalkeeping great Ger Cunningham, nowadays with Bord Gáis, sponsors of the All-Ireland U21 hurling championship, has come out strongly in favour of retaining that particular grade.

TIPPERARY GAA chiefs last night postponed six local club fixtures which had been scheduled for next weekend due to the county’s forthcoming All-Ireland senior final battle with Kilkenny and their participation in next Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC semi-final.

ANTRIM will face Munster champions Tipperary in the All-Ireland U21 hurling championship semi-final after overcoming a skilful Armagh side at Casement Park last night.

CAMOGIE President Liz Howard hopes the GAA will continue to pair their junior and senior finals with the All-Ireland U21 hurling championship decider in Croke Park as they do on Sunday for the third consecutive year.

KILKENNY’S failure to win the Leinster minor title three years ago had been a powerful motivating force behind their All-Ireland Under-21 success in Thurles on Sunday, believes selector Mick Dempsey.