Galway U21 boss calls for Leinster move

GALWAY U21 manager Anthony Cunningham says he would favour the county moving into Leinster for underage competitions.

The former All-Ireland minor and U-21 winning captain says that the Tribesmen are at a disadvantage and he thinks they should follow their seniors and join the Leinster championship.

“Ultimately, this is a decision for Galway hurling board and others to make, but I would be in favour.

“Quite simply, the more matches a team plays the better they become. It is extremely difficult for Galway to hit the ground running at U21 level when our first match every year is going to be against a team that has just won its own provincial championship.

“We would be better off starting at the same time as everyone else and if we are good enough we will come through. It would help us develop our players,” said Cunningham, who has been re-appointed for another two years as Galway U21 boss.

Meanwhile Clarinbridge’s hopes of winning their second Galway SHC title on Sunday have been dealt a big blow with county U-21 star Barry Daly likely to miss the final replay against Loughrea with a broken thumb suffered a broken thumb in the drawn final on Sunday week ago.