Sligo U17 hurling manager Daithi Hand says that this year’s Celtic Challenge competition has been a great learning experience for his youthful squad.
After a strong showing in last year’s competition, Sligo were drawn in a tough group this year that included teams form Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Kildare and Donegal.
Sligo finished up their group campaign with a heart-breaking last minute defeat to Mayo in Markievicz Park on Wednesday night, losing out by 2-14 to 3-9 after conceding a late goal.
The side will now await Friday’s draw to see who they face in the knockout stages.
But the Mercy College Secondary School teacher says that the competition, now in its second year, is hugely beneficial in promoting hurling.
He spoke to Gavin Cawley for Ocean FM.
Meanwhile, Leitrim ended their group stages with another impressive win on Wednesday evening.
A 4-16 to 1-11 defeat of Louth in Mullingar means that they have finished Group F joint-top with Meath and Louth.
