Changes to Leinster SHC and Joe McDonagh Cup formats gets the go-ahead

Laois players celebrate with the Joe McDonagh Cup. ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson.

The number of teams participating in the group stages of the Leinster SHC is to be increased to six in 2021.

95% of delegates at Annual Congress 2020 supported Motion 59 which means there will be no relegation from the Leinster SHC and Joe McDonagh Cup competitions this year.

The Joe McDonagh Cup winners will be promoted to the Leinster SHC for next year as usual while two teams will be promoted up to the Joe McDonagh Cup from the Christy Ring.

That means that six teams would also battle it out for the Joe McDonagh Cup next year.

Carlow, Laois, Westmeath and Offaly all spoke in favour of the motion.