Pat Kearney hailed the new changes in hurling which will allow Galway's under-21 team take part in the Leinster Championship.
It's been a hugely successful year for the Tribesmen on the field and the County Chairman believes these changes will only help the county progress.
Speaking to Off the Ball's Oisin Langan about the changes, he said: "It has been something we've been working on the last couple of years and today was a great success. It's a challenge for Galway, it's a new challenge and we'd be more than happy with the under-21 situation with getting into Leinster and the winners and runners-up in Leinster are into a semi-final.
"It's a new challenge for our under-21 team - especially with the minor going down to 17 and we have a four year gap. It's a challenge for that team and it's a challenge for the management team and the players in the year ahead.
Asked about the new round robin format and the guarantee of two home games each year, he said: "I suppose it's evolving. The qualifiers started in '97 and things have moved along. Today was another advancement and it's an advancement where we're guaranteed two home games - be it against Kilkenny, Dublin, Wexford or Offaly in 2018.
"The draws will be done at the end of the month in Leinster and we'll know who we'll go for and then, no doubt, our players who have been successful and our management will face the challenges at senior level and I'd be confident they'll be happy with the new challenges.
"And, it's great for the supporters of Galway who get to see the All-Ireland champions playing on home ground this year and you know, it can't be but positive," he added.
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