Barrett fears Galway move to Munster

Tipperary’s All-Star defender Cathal Barrett says moving Galway to the Munster Championship would upset the balance of the All-Ireland Hurling competition.

Galway have reportedly grown frustrated at their lack of home championship games in the Leinster SHC, and the GAA's refusal to allow their minor and U21 teams to play in the Leinster tournament, but the All-Ireland winner hopes the Tribesmen do not move to the Munster Championship.

"I think to keep the Leinster championship at the height that it is, I think it would be better if they stayed in Leinster," Barrett told the Irish Examiner.

"In fairness you have Kilkenny and then Galway and Dublin are the main two after that. If it’s just Kilkenny and Dublin getting to the Leinster final each year, then people are probably going to get sick of seeing that."

Barrett, part of the Tipp team that won the Liam McCarthy Cup in September, underwent ankle surgery over the off season but hopes to be back in time for the start of the Allianz League in February.

Michael Ryan’s side start their Division 1A campaign on Saturday 11 February against Dublin.

"I’d gone over on it a couple of times in the last few years," the 23-year-old continued.

"Then I badly hurt it in the first few minutes against Galway so I said that was the final straw, I had to do something about it. It eventually took its toll.

"But I should be fine. Presuming the fitness is okay I should be good by the time the league comes around. I wouldn’t be expecting to miss anything anyway."

Photo (©Inpho/Cathal Noonan)

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