Hurling's back-door system has been given a strong endorsement by GAA president Joe McDonagh. McDonagh's view on the re-admission of the beaten Munster and Leinster finalists came through strongly at yesterday's official lunch for the All-Ireland finalists.

He can be counted upon to support the new format following its two-season experiment at a special Congress in Rosslare next month.

"We have had two wonderful seasons of hurling, unparalleled and unrivalled in the history of the game," said McDonagh. "Overall, one would have to see this experiment as very successful. It set out to increase the number of games, high profile games, and also the profile of the game itself. We have been successful in both respects.

"We have seen both sides of the coin - Clare as Munster champions winning last year, and Offaly as defeated Leinster finalists winning this time. So it gives us an opportunity to assess.

"I think the over-riding feeling one has after talking to many people is that it has been a success and there is a definite reluctance to go back to the old ways.

"I have gathered that there is a general feeling of acceptance that we should continue with this system. Many people speak of changes and refinements to the system and I believe we must make a conscious decision first and foremost on whether we adopt this. I think the refinements will come later."

McDonagh also reflected on the hurling year. "Everybody is on a high from what we have witnessed. We looked at yesterday's game, a game of such great quality. We had a succession of wonderful games, right through the season. Today we are reflecting on the aftermath, the glow of yet another Guinness hurling championship."

Over 600,000 watched the hurling championship this year and it is estimated that £2 1/2 million will be generated by the extra games. McDonagh paid special tribute to Clare for the dignity with which they had accepted defeat and their concession that they had been beaten by a better team on the day. The Hurling Development Committee is also poised to support the back door system. The Games Administration Committee (GAC), in conjunction with the Hurling Development Committee, are to formulate motions on the controversial hurling format to be presented at next month's special congress.

GAC chairman Frank Murphy said that all counties have been invited to submit ideas they may have on the hurling format and that these ideas will be formulated and presented to the congress.

McDonagh presented all four captains - Offaly's Hubert Rigney, Kilkenny's Tom Hickey, Cork's Cathal McCarthy and Kilkenny Paul Shefflin - with momentoes.

He described the senior game as a particularly superb game of hurling and told the Kilkenny contingent that they would not need reassurance from anybody that they would be back to continue with the ethos of their wonderful traditions. The future of Offaly manager Michael Bond with the team remains uncertain. He was noncommittal as to his future role, but Offaly county board officers, Brendan Ward and Christy Todd, were at one in saying: "We want more of that magic."

Bond's contract with Offaly expired on Sunday after the final. Pat Teehan, the county PRO, said that the matter will be reviewed at next month's meeting of the county board.

Johnny Clifford, the former Cork player and manager, said it is Offaly's attitude to the game, which nobody else seems to have, that is the key to their success. "They exploit the underdog tag, few give them a chance and they are happy with that," he said.

Kilkenny manager Kevin Fennelly said that his squad will probably get together in a few weeks to talk about the match. "Nobody has indicated to me about possible retirements. As far as the back door is concerned, It doesn't really matter now. They (Offaly) won it and good luck to them."