Calls to sacrifice U21 grades fall flat

THERE has been little support to calls to alleviate player burn-out by abolishing the U21 grades in hurling and football.

Leinster Council chief executive Michael Delaney will ask next Saturday's provincial convention to consider withdrawing from the U21 championship, while his Connacht colleague John Prenty believes the minor and U21 grades should be merged.

Sacrificing the U21 grade would be a "backward step", according to former Limerick manager Dave Keane, who delivered three successive All-Ireland titles at the grade to the county from 2000 to 2002.