Galway could leave the Leinster Championship after they submitted an application to the Croke Park Central Council expressing their problems with the current All-Ireland Hurling Championship format. The format, based on the Leinster and Munster championships, has seen significant change over the past number of years and Galway want the final nail put into the provincial structure.
The Galway senior team have been competing in the Leinster Championship since 2009, and won their maiden title in 2012, but The Tribesmen have launched a controversial bid to have the All-Ireland Championship employ an open draw system from 2017.
Last year they had a submission rejected to have their u-21 and minor setup make the move east and join the senior panel competing in Leinster.
The Tribesmen are also thought to be unhappy with the financial situation claiming the money they receive from the Leinster Council is not adequate of the funds generated by their involvement.
Despite their final defeat to Kilkenny concluding their seventh year in the Leinster Championship, Galway have yet to play a game in their own county, and the submission also states they are losing out on field rent.
The submission stated:
Galway's participation in Leinster benefits counties in Leinster, whereas Galway GAA and Galway supporters incur additional costs. The least Galway should expect is a 'level playing field' and equality.
We are not getting equal treatment, as other counties do at u-21 and minor level
There is no mandate stipulating Galway must compete in the Leinster Championship and the Central Council will now have some decisions to make.
