Cillian Buckley has baulked at the idea of Leinster hurling championship games being played in Galway.

The Tribesmen are threatening to withdraw from the Leinster SHC over the province's continued refusal to grant them home games. Galway's other grievance with Leinster Council is that their minor and U21 hurling teams are barred from competing in the eastern province.

"It would be strange (playing in Galway), you're playing a Leinster championship," the Kilkenny star said at the launch of Top Oil's sponsorship of the Leinster GAA Schools senior championships yesterday.

"The fixtures have actually just come out and you're looking at them, 'Is it a home or away game for us?' To be honest, that is a big enough deal so having to travel to Galway would be a bit of a disadvantage.

"And playing a Leinster championship especially, the fact that they're in the Leinster championship, they probably should have to play the games in Leinster. Likewise, if they were in a Munster championship. I think that's fair. Obviously it's a bit unfortunate that there is no such thing as a Connacht championship for them but I think they have to meet lads halfway, as such."

Buckley acknowledged that Galway's involvement in the Leinster SHC since 2009 has made it more competitive.

"I would like to see them stay in Leinster," he continued.

"We played them in replays, 2012, 2014 and then in 2015 so there has been a fierce rivalry between the two counties. No doubt that has brought Kilkenny on. Go back 10, 15 years ago when they weren't there, the competitive matches weren't there between Kilkenny and Galway until later in the summer.

"It's obviously a big thing for people in Galway. For us, we just play what's in front of us. It's totally out of our control."

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