CONCERN OVER the wellbeing of hurling and the ever-increasing gulf in quality from the elite to minnow counties was formally addressed by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) yesterday.

A hurling twinning programme will see panels from the Nicky Rackard Cup paired with counterparts from the Liam McCarthy Cup. The pairing system was decided via a lottery system and will see the best hurlers in Ireland attending training sessions in counties like Donegal and Fermanagh over the next two years.

"A lot of managers and players have been travelling to weaker counties on a voluntary basis for years," said GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell. "The twinning programme is formalising the voluntary effort on a wider scale and hopefully, with the help of the players and local media, it will help to increase the profile of hurling regionally.

"We realise it is a small step but it is the best we can do at the minute with resources and everything else. It is practicable and attainable. We've asked the GAA for a free weekend to allow the programme develop and take place."

The concept has not been endorsed by the GAA but Farrell indicated that positive soundings have come from Croke Park.

Regarding the transport of elite intercounty hurlers to these hurling outposts, the GPA reached agreements with several businessmen, including Tom Daly, to provide helicopters. Players will receive "generous" expenses for assisting the weaker counties to develop.

PAIRINGS: Monaghan and Tipperary; Louth and Clare; Tyrone and Limerick; Donegal and Kilkenny; Non Ards (Down) and Galway; Fermanagh and Cork; Fingal and Laois; Sligo and Offaly; Leitrim and Antrim; Longford and Wexford; Warwickshire and Dublin.