By Cian O'Connell

Galway GAA Chairman Pat Kearney is delighted that Pearse Stadium will host two Leinster Senior Hurling Championship matches in 2018.

Kearney is encouraged by the decisions taken at Special Congress on Saturday which means Galway's Under 21 team will also be involved in the Leinster, while the minors will face the two losing provincial finalists in a round-robin series.

"Oh yeah, a good Congress for Galway hurling," Kearney admits. 

"It's very important our Under 21's got into Leinster and we're very happy that the Leinster finalists will be in an All-Ireland semi-final. 

"That's a great positive move for us. Our minors is positive as well. We've a round robin game or two, that's very good. 

"The seniors, sure like it's great for Galway to have a home game and we're guaranteed two home games. It's all positive."

The news that the Salthill venue will provide the backdrop for two Leinster Championship encounters is another positive. "It's good for Galway GAA and it's good for the community and the businesses around the Salthill area," Kearney says. "It's bringing two more games there. 

"We were always only guaranteed one or two games there in Connacht, one some years, none other years. At least we're guaranteed two home games now. 

"I'm not pre-empting any situation, but the two of them more than likely, 90% sure will be held in Pearse Stadium. 

"How good will it be if Kilkenny or Wexford or Dublin or Offaly comes to Pearse Stadium. It's a good day. 

"I think the draws are to be made in the next couple of weeks in Leinster and we'll know who we're playing and it'll be a challenge for our management teams at all levels at minor, Under 21, and senior.

"It'll be a new ball game for our managers to address the challenges ahead and no doubt they're capable of. It's great for our players to play in front of a home crowd too."