Galway review group pushing for open draw for All-Ireland
The radical proposal is one of several dozen recommendations contained in a report produced after a root and branch examination of hurling in Galway.
One of the recommendations is that Galway “should develop and solicit support from other counties for an open draw All-Ireland series at inter-county senior championship level”.
The review was carried out by Galway Hurling Review Group (GHRG) headed up by Joe McDonagh and which includes former managers Cyril Farrell and Conor Hayes, and former All Stars Sean Silke, Pete Finnerty and Ollie Canning, along with officials from a broad spectrum.
The report notes that while feedback from the hurling fraternity in Galway was positive about the county’s involvement in the Leinster championship, this did not extend to U21 or minor levels.
“The feedback received by the GHRG in its consultation with the clubs and stakeholders indicates that there has been general satisfaction with Galway’s participation in the Leinster senior hurling championship.
“However, the almost unanimous feedback from clubs, players and officials indicates that there is no appetite for the county minor and U21 teams to participate in the Leinster championship,” notes the report.
It also recommends that Galway needs to strengthen its hand in Leinster and secure increased grant allocations, as well as ensuring that they have home games if they are to continue playing in Leinster after the current deal expires in 2013.
The extensive report, which also includes recommendations for the Galway club championships along a broad range of sub-headings, was last night presented to officials from clubs in Galway.