Ronan Sheehan believes that an extended Leinster U20HC, that would include Ulster counties, or a separate U20HC for McDonagh and Christy Ring Cup teams, would benefit hurling in those counties.

The Newry Shamrocks clubman, who last weekend managed Down to promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League for the first time in 18 years, said in an interview with RTÉ: "I would look at underage hurling within the compass of teams in the MacDonagh and Christy Ring Cup.

"Counties like Laois, Westmeath, Carlow, Kerry, Meath, Down, Derry and Donegal - teams in those competitions. And I would look at those competition structures with regard to U20 teams.

"At the moment, Down play Antrim and Derry to see who enters tier 2 at U20 level. We lost to Antrim this year, which invariably does happen and so we end up in the All-Ireland 'B’ competition.

"That is a competition that Down has won three out of the last four years and we are probably favourites to win it again. But that is simply not developing our young players. Kerry are now in Leinster, and Meath and Westmeath are there too at that level.

"I would suggest that we either extend the Leinster Championship to include Down or Derry or we hive off those seven or eight McDonagh and Ring teams for a special U20 grade.

"We have two groups of four, have a final, make a fuss, and let the winners play the losers of Leinster or Munster going forward in the All-Ireland series.

"You are giving the opportunity for young players in these counties to get quality experience at a similar level and get used to the standard that is needed."

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