New York GAA have lodged a formal bid to play in the Tier 2 Championship this year, according to senior selector Johnny Glynn.
Glynn, who was an inter-county hurler with Galway, took the position with New York on the understanding that the County Board would apply to play in Tier 2 this season.
Traditionally under the old Championship structure, New York have played in the Connacht Championship but have never progressed past round one.
Speaking to Off The Ball, Glynn confirmed a bid was formally lodged with the GAA on Thursday.
"New York fully wants a Tier 2 game. There have been talks here between the County Board, management and everything, it was all agreed about the want and need to get that Tier 2 Championship match.
"It's very hard for us over here to express how important it is for us to get the Tier 2 match this year," he added.
Having shown improvement in recent years Glynn believes the side are now capable of competing to a higher level in the Championship.
"If you look at the past four years of the first round of Connacht Championships, we have been within the kick of a ball twice and five points on another occasion against Sligo.
"The main thing for us is that if we had that second or third game we would be able to prove to everyone in Ireland how much development is going on here in New York."
Glynn also namechecked New York's progression at youth level and the facilities available to the side as a reason they should be included in Tier 2.
"The facilities and trainings are all in place. The elite standards are there we just need the games now to prove it."
Glynn added that all 55 players in the panel would be willing to travel to Ireland for a match if necessary and that the funding is available.
Speaking to Off The Ball, GAA Director of Player, Club and Games Administration Fergal McGill said that the bid would be a matter for GAA Central Council to consider.
While Central Council is set to meet this weekend a decision on New York's bid is more likely to be made at a later meeting at the end of the month.
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