Anthony Daly hoping for changes to U17 and U20 age grades

Reverting back to the previously held U18 and U21 age grades in football and hurling could help address the drop-off in numbers and improve player development, according to Anthony Daly.

One of the major talking points at Congress on Saturday will be the proposed changes to the minor grade at inter-county level.

On a trial basis, Central Council want to replace the existing U17 and U20 championships with one U19 minor grade in 2024 and 2025, and the U19 and U20 All-Ireland competitions in 2023.

There are also other motions calling for a return to U18 for inter-county.

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If the two grades get the green light, it could technically mean that there would be U18, U19 and U20 championships in 2023.

Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, Clare's two-time All-Ireland winning captain Daly believes pushing out the age grades would have a positive impact on young players.

"I thought U18 and U21 had a few problems a few years ago, mostly to do with the Leaving Cert," he said, adding that the widespread participation of transition year has greatly improved the situation.

"The drop-off after U20, or U21 as it used to be, is frightening. I think we should be going back to U21 and U18."

The former Banner manager went on to say that the extra year – from U20 to U21 – could have a big impact on both club and county.

"In my own club in Clarecastle, we have a senior team and a junior A team. We don’t have a junior B team.

"Is it very attractive for a lad who is not making the 26 on the senior squad to go play junior A?