"It'd be great if the Ulster council did a mini version of this for lower age groups. Split Antrim into 3 teams, Down and Derry into 2 and then have county teams for the rest. More good quality hurling for youngsters in the provinces."

Looking at the results for this competition, Antrim should be split into North (Glens) & South (Belfast). Down are obviously decent but I'd be worried about some of the other Ulster teams, particularly Derry & Armagh.

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 12/05/2016 15:11:12    1854430

On paper Armagh should be fine, with Cuchulainn's, Craobh Rua, Keady all doing very well in the all-Ireland feiles in recent yrs, but even with the addition of the Kileavy, Sean Tracey and Middletown lads, armagh are struggling to field - reality

cuchulainn35 (Armagh) - Posts: 1676 - 12/05/2016 16:24:14    1854460

Good Competitive match between Meath and Dublin Clarke last night in trim

showforit (Meath) - Posts: 156 - 12/05/2016 16:42:56    1854467

"On paper Armagh should be fine, with Cuchulainn's, Craobh Rua, Keady all doing very well in the all-Ireland feiles in recent yrs, but even with the addition of the Kileavy, Sean Tracey and Middletown lads, armagh are struggling to field - reality"

Try being in Longford where only 2 clubs are fielding at underage! We have a couple of U17 lads who'd strengthen the team but they're actually doing their Leaving Cert...

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 12/05/2016 18:25:28    1854485

Looked like some very competitive games last night. It's great to see lads at this age from all parts of the country get some competitive summer hurling - there is a long road to go but it's a start.

Soma (UK) - Posts: 2630 - 12/05/2016 21:24:03    1854527

Competition continues to have some close match ups. There are a number of mismatches but it's seems most groups are somewhat interesting. Sligo of all teams seem to be a cut above the standard of the teams they're up against. It's likely they'll qualify for division 1 knockout rounds, it'll be interesting how they do against more traditional hurling areas.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4241 - 20/05/2016 20:37:37    1856891

Is their any word on the seeded groups and knockout fixtures in this? I believe they were originally scheduled for this week.

downredhand (Tyrone) - Posts: 567 - 31/05/2016 12:09:21    1860207

I think final group games are on Wednesday with QT Finals at the weekend

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 31/05/2016 13:07:46    1860232

downredhand (Tyrone) - Posts: 567 - 31/05/2016 13:12:17    1860234

sligo topped the group but monaghan went down there this evening and won by 2 points great boost for the young hurlers of monaghan 1st knockout stage this weekend fixtures should be known tomorrow when all teams are graded

mrsme (USA) - Posts: 172 - 01/06/2016 22:32:48    1860730

Does anyone know where the draw can be seen for the knockout stage or when it'll take place?

TheQuietMan1975 (Down) - Posts: 14 - 01/06/2016 23:41:20    1860738

Divisions, fixtures, venues and contacts for the Preliminaries of the Celtic Challenge are listed below. All games will take place on Saturday 4th June.
CORN MICHAEL HOGAN Abbottstown Dublin 11.00 Sligo v Down Contact Caoimhe Ní Néill Abbottstown Dublin 14.30 Antrim v Offaly Contact Caoimhe Ní Néill Cashel GAA Cashel, Tipperary 14.00 South Kilkenny v Cork City Contact David O'Dea Rathleague GAA Portlaoise, Laois 16.00 North Galway v Dublin Pearse Contact Lester Ryan
CORN JOHN SCOTT Gaelic Grounds Limerick City 14.00 North Clare v Limerick City Contact Michael O'Connor Gaelic Grounds Limerick City 16.00 Kerry v South/East Clare Contact Michael O'Connor Rathleague GAA Portlaoise, Laois 14.00 Kildare v South Tipperary Contact David O'Dea Wicklow GAA Centre of Excellence Ballinakill, Wicklow 14.30 Dublin Clarke v South Wexford Contact Lester Ryan
CORN WILLIAM ROBINSON Garvaghy GAA Centre Garvaghy, Tyrone 14.30 Derry v Monaghan Contact Kevin Kelly Abbottstown Dublin 14.00 Meath v North Wexford Contact Caoimhe Ní Néill Abbottstown Dublin 17.00 Louth v Dublin Plunkett Contact Caoimhe Ní Néill TBC 14.30 Cavan v Galway City/West Contact Lester Ryan
CORN JEROME O'LEARY TBC 14.30 Leitrim v Donegal Contact Thomas Keenan Ballyconnell GAA Cavan 14.30 Longford v Tyrone Contact Kevin Kelly Rathleague GAA Portlaoise, Laois 14.00 Roscommon v Laois Contact Lester Ryan Cashel GAA Cashel, Tipperary 16.00 Waterford City v North Cork Contact David O'Dea
CORN MICHAEL FEERY Abbottstown Dublin 12.00 Mayo v Wicklow Contact Caoimhe Ní Néill JK Brackens GAA Templemore, Tipperary 14.30 West Limerick v Carlow Contact

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 02/06/2016 15:34:44    1860918

Finals in Nowlan park this weekend , one of Dublin sides have made a graded final , I believe KK are in final of highest ranked tier , good luck to all involved great experience getting to play in Nowlan Park for any 17 year old

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 17/06/2016 13:24:02    1868154

ke40 (Kildare) - Posts: 209 - 17/06/2016 23:38:42    1868376

Offaly 4-10
Kilkenny 3-12

Maybe Offaly Hurlings Not Dead Yet :)

Biffo2013 (Offaly) - Posts: 23 - 18/06/2016 22:35:53    1868639

Biffo2013 i hope you are right,but my understanding here is that the likes of wexford,kilkenny,dublin,etc split the county into at least 2 for this?i am almost sure it is south kilkenny that offaly were playing.
but i am delighted to see offaly on the up regardless!

perfect10 (Wexford) - Posts: 3929 - 20/06/2016 08:58:13    1869294

http://www.dublingaa.ie/news/dublin-plunkett-lose-out-in-celtic-challenge-final

Match report Div 3 final North Wexford defeat Dublin Plunkett , congrats

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 20/06/2016 15:48:20    1869736

thelongridge (Offaly) - Posts: 1746 - 20/06/2016 16:16:26    1869764

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 21/06/2016 10:57:41    1870066

Launched in Croke Park 2017 version today bigger and better seemed to be the message , anything that keeps 16-17 year olds hurling competitively is fine by me , I know they got some match ups wrong last year hopefully lessons learned

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 19/04/2017 16:05:54    1980841