Hard to believe that established household names like Joe Canning of Galway, Richie Hogan of Kilkenny, Patrick Horgan of Cork and Seamus Callinan of Tipperary are all still eligible to line out with their county at U21 grade. The lads along with Liam Rushe from Dublin and Arron Graffin from Antrim are Bord Gáis Energy Ambassadors and will be involved in a number of initiatives to be announced over the summer. 

Speaking at the launch in Croke Park, Uachtarán Chumann Luthchleas Gael Criostoir O Cuana wished everyone connected with this year's competition every success ahead of what is an eagerly awaited U-21 spectacle. 

He said : "The U21 grade is a hugely important one for us, especially in hurling. We need as many big, high profile games for hurling as we can get and the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Hurling Championship has not let us down in this regard in recent seasons."

The Leinster U21 Championship kicked off the 20th of May when current All-Ireland Champions Kilkenny beat Laois to set up a semi final meeting with Offaly. This year Kilkenny are aiming for their tenth All-Ireland title at U-21 level, while Dublin will be seeking their first in this competition, Galway and Tipperary will be looking for their ninth and Cork for their twelfth.