Ulster council chairman Aogan Farrell admits that the province is concerned over its underage hurling.

A number of incidents in 2011 have set the alarm bells ringing and Farrell admits that the situation has to be addressed sooner than later. This year saw Antrim struggle to field and under-21 side in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final, while Derry withdrew from the competition.

"Any drop in standards is a worry and yes, underage hurling is under pressure in Ulster," said Ulster Council chairman Aogan Farrell.

The Ulster Council are set to introduce a new hurling league early next year that will include counties from Leinster like Louth, Leitrim and Longford as well as Sligo.

"We're hoping that the extra games between clubs from different counties in different provinces will freshen up the scene and lead to an improvement at all levels," Farrell revealed to the Irish Independent.

"In Derry's case, nearly all the lads who hurl play football as well, so they come under huge pressure at certain times of the year. Antrim's situation is different but they'd be the first to admit they have a lot of work to do also." Tweet

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