Galway chief fires parting shot at Leinster underage decision

Outgoing Galway hurling committee chairman Joe Byrne has fired a parting shot at the Leinster Council and GAA headquarters for its refusal to allow Galway underage teams partake in the Leinster championships.

Byrne, who stepped down from the role as chairman after the permitted five years, said the Leinster Council’s decision not permit the Tribesmen entry to the minor and U21 championships is “not in the interest of Galway hurling or hurling in general”.

And Byrne hinted that denying entry to Galway’s underage teams could impact the future participation of the senior Galway hurlers in the Leinster championship.

“The message to both Leinster Council and Croke Park is clear from a Galway hurling community. ‘Either all or teams are in Leinster or none’,” said Byrne, in his final address as chairman.

“The recent decision by Leinster Council not to allow Galway participate in minor and U21 is not in the best interest of Galway hurling, nor indeed hurling in general.

“The hurling committee has requested our county officers to engage with the relevant parries, and also to increase the financial benefit to Galway,” said Byrne, while acknowledging the €20,000 Leinster Council contribution in 2014.

The Tribesmen have competed for the Bob O’Keeffe Cup since 2009 when they entered the Leinster Championship along with Antrim, and picked up their only win in 2012 under Anthony Cunningham. This year Galway applied to the Leinster Council to allow their minor and U21 teams enter the championship, but were voted down by a Leinster Council vote.