Bye bye Connacht. Leinster's about to get even more crowded. The rest of Connacht has proved itself to be so crappy at hurling that Joe Canning and co, like college graduates desperate to make the big bucks, are off east. About bloody time.
And while the GAA do their bit for sneaky all-island unification by inviting Antrim south, the acceptance of our hurlers into what is probably hurling’s premier regional championship is the real news.
Of course, there was opposition among traditionalists. This is the GAA after all, but in the end common sense won out. Yes, it's a shame Galway can't compete in, and win a strong, healthy, vibrant Connacht Senior Hurling championship, but that's just the way things lie. There’s nothing that can be done, and faffing about will only see this county fall further and further behind the other hurling giants.
Being honest, Galway, for a county so in love with its sport, has, over the past few years seriously underachieved in both GAA codes.
The confirmation on Saturday of our move to Leinster now offers all our sporting fans renewed hope.
Galway's hurlers are obviously extremely talented, and entirely capable of competing with, and beating the best teams in the country.
Now, with Leinster offering up the matches to sculpt and toughen the squad, there are no more excuses. The county expects great things from the hurlers, let's hope next year they can deliver.
