Qualifiers should get own cup, says Hurling Development Committee chairman

Hurling Development Committee (HDC) chairman Paudie O’Neill believes the new championship proposals are positive — but says there is “a process” still to be undertaken.

The former Tipperary selector believes the qualifier group, which is linked to the All-Ireland series via a place for the best-placed team in a preliminary quarter-final against a third-placed provincial team, should become a cup in itself.

Ahead of Central Council’s discussions on the new hurling structures, O’Neill feels it would be more worthwhile if a competition featuring the would-be qualifier group teams along with similar-strength teams like Meath competed for a trophy with the final being played as the curtain-raiser to the All-Ireland final.