Proposals for a new senior championship structure in hurling were accepted at this morning's GAA annual congress at The Venue in Derry.

The blueprint, proposed by Central Council, will gradually reduce the number of counties competing in the MacCarthy Cup as well as introducing a new qualifier group in the Leinster championship.

An amendment from one of the counties currently in that qualifier group, Antrim and supported by others, Carlow and Laois was withdrawn when the GAA gave undertakings to look at the issue of concern – facilitating movement from the new qualifier group into the top 10 – and bring proposals to next year's congress.