Former Tipperary star Shane McGrath says Donegal hurlers’ victory over Kerry last weekend “will do wonders” for the development of the small ball game in the county.

The Tir Chonaill men scored a landmark victory over their Munster counterparts on Sunday in Letterkenny, where a second-half comeback saw the hosts pull off their second win in Division 2 of the Allianz League.

Writing in his column for RTE Sport this week, McGrath said the rise of hurling in counties like Donegal, Carlow and Offaly in recent times has been fantastic to see.

“Success in these counties is relative. In Donegal it has been a magical few days after winning a massive game and league or not, this will do wonders for the development of hurling there," the two-time All Star wrote.

“What Carlow have achieved in the past year, by drawing with Kilkenny in the championship and beating Waterford in the league is wonderous for them in trying to push hurling locally.

“These are huge successes for these counties. There might be no cups to show for it but what they have done will be much more beneficial in the long run than a cup for a year will.

“As a player, you want to be winning right now, you’re not thinking of the players 20 or 30 years down the line. You’re focused on yourself and the team you are involved in right now, and that's only right, but what they are doing unbeknownst to themselves, by working so hard, training to their max and putting their lives on hold is the greatest gift they can give the future generations of hurlers in their counties.

“So here’s to the likes of Donegal, Carlow and Antrim making even greater strides in 2025 and turning a few heads along the way.”

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