Kelly defends format of provincial championships

KILKENNY’S dominance of the Guinness Leinster SHC championship should not be used as a reason to question the existing provincial format according to GAA President Sean Kelly.

Speaking in Croke Park yesterday, where the qualifier draw was made for the first time, Mr Kelly described the provincial championships as being integral parts of Irish society.

However he expressed concern about coaching structures at underage level, saying that unless players are 'coming through' to minor and Under-21 level then problems are experienced in the senior ranks.