The GAA has launched a three-year action plan aimed at increasing hurling participation levels in all counties.

The Development Action Plan 2015-2018 has been pulled together by the GAA's Hurling Development Committee.

In essence, the plan is an admission that hurling is ailing in the majority of counties in Ireland.

Included is a new Celtic Challenge competition which will be open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are not sitting state examinations .