Munster Hurling Championship expansion ruled out as record crowds revealed

Munster GAA boss defends current hurling format as record attendances fuel opposition to expanding All-Ireland qualifiers

AGONY THEN ECSTASY: Cork keeper Patrick Collins beaten by Aaron Gillane in last year's dramatic Munster SHC final shootout. Calls for a final replay do not take account of player load, says Munster chief Kieran Leddy. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Munster GAA chief executive Kieran Leddy has given short shrift to the idea of a fourth team emerging from the province’s high-octane senior hurling championship.

As the province today announced record-breaking income of €12.667m — of which €8.381m was SHC gate receipts as the venues were 92% full for the 11 games — Leddy maintains the competition should be left well enough alone.