GAA considers July final as part of Joe McDonagh Cup revamp

There is a determination to expand the footprint of hurling in the GAA inter-county window.

A later finish to the McDonagh Cup may provide extra exposure to the developing hurling counties. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Next year’s Joe McDonagh Cup could run up to the weekend of the All-Ireland senior hurling semi-finals.

The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) have provided Central Council with two options – conclude the second-tier hurling championship on the day of the Leinster final in early June or run it until the first weekend in July where it will be staged on the undercard of one of the games. The master fixtures will be finalised in October.