Down hurling has received a boost with the news that a county team, picked from non-Ards clubs, can take part in this year’s Leinster Shield. 

Down were the last team to win the Ulster Junior Championship before it was abolished by the Ulster Council in 2005.  While hoping for a return of the Ulster format, the team has been invited to take part in this year’s Leinster competition.  They will play against Louth, Longford, Leitrim and Warwickshire.

Matches will be played between the end of the National Hurling League in early April and the beginning of the Championship in mid-May.  The team will also take part in this year’s Down senior club championship.

Team Manager, Paddy Braniff, is expected to announce the squad next week. Clubs with players in contention for a place on the panel include Warrenpoint, Newry Shamrocks, Clonduff, Liatroim, Ballela, Ballyvarley, Castlewellan, Kilclief and Bredagh.

The non-Ards members of the senior county panel can expect a call-up.  With club hurling growing in strength, there will be plenty of competition for places in the 30-man squad.