Challenges for U21 graduates mixing it with the big boys

The learning curve is real for U21 graduates who encounter senior hurling, it seems.

Many senior intercounty teams carry a cohort of U21s on their panel, at least, promising players who are almost ready for the big show. Sometimes the future arrives early for some of those players: Austin Gleeson was an U21 All-Ireland winner last year and both Young Hurler and (senior) Hurler of the Year.

Ditto Tony Kelly in 2013, when he also collected a senior All-Ireland medal.