"Either all our teams are in Leinster or none"

Galway's Kevin Hynes and Paul Murphy of Kilkenny. INPHO

In his final address as chairman of the Galway hurling committee last night, Joe Byrne raised doubts about the Tribesmen's future participation in the Leinster SHC in the wake of Leinster Council's refusal to allow Galway's underage teams into their championships.

"The message to both Leinster Council and Croke Park is clear from the Galway hurling community. Either all our teams are in Leinster or none," he stated.

"The recent decision by Leinster Council not to allow Galway participate in minor and U21 is not in the best interest of Galway hurling, nor indeed hurling in general.

"The hurling committee has requested our county officers to engage with the relevant parties, and also to increase the financial benefit to Galway (they received €20,000 this year)."