Antrim, Down, and Derry will all be in the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2026. I'd consider anyone in the McDonagh to be above the level of having to be part of a "best of the rest" combination. My suggestion (probably with flaws, but off the top of the head) -
- Run Christy Ring/Nickey Rackard/Lory Meagher off at their usual times. Finished at end of May. - Run Joe McDonagh Cup group stage more or less according to usual time too. Again, finished around end of May. - Then form "Ulster" and "Connacht" from the counties from these provinces at Christy Ring level and below. Put these two teams into McDonagh Cup semi-finals against the top two from the McDonagh Cup. - A McDonagh Cup Final follows. And if "Ulster" or "Connacht" happens to win it, then so be it, and let them take their place in the McCarthy Cup the following year, same as any other McDonagh Cup winner would do.
Actually, couple of flaws already - - Would involve breaking the link between McDonagh Cup and that year's McCarthy Cup. Many of us think this should be done anyway, but there's always opposition to it when it's suggested. - Just say "Team Ulster" did win the McDonagh Cup. How do you arrange things the following year for the best hurlers of Donegal/Tyrone/Cavan (for example) to play in the Group stage of the McCarthy Cup, while their own counties are also playing in the group stage of the lower tier competitions? Maybe a case of cross that bridge if or when we come to it!