Warwickshire defender Michael O'Regan feels the broadcasting deal the GAA have with Sky Sports has improved the appetite for hurling in Britain.
The Cork-born defender moved to the English midlands in 2014, the same year as Sky Sports began broadcasting GAA matches. He may only be in Britain for three years, but in that time the knowledge of the GAA in Britain has improved.
Speaking to GAA.ie ahead of the Lory Meagher Cup Final, he said he felt the broadcast deal has helped him avoid some awkward conversations with his neighbours.
"Now that anyone asks me what am I playing, and I say hurling, they actually know what it is. Before you'd have to go and give a big spiel about it being with a stick and all this kind of stuff."
"I think a lot people have probably glanced at it on Sky Sports or flicked through it. I think it's definitely raising awareness of the game."
Warwickshire play Leitrim in Croke Park on Saturday afternoon, hoping to win their second title in five years. The English side won the match between the two sides by eight points last month and were unbeaten in the group stages. O'Regan admitted that result makes them favourites to win.
"I think Leitrim are one of the few teams we've beaten by seven, eight points. We beat most teams by double scores. They were tough opposition... You're not going to get an easy final either. We're expecting a tough battle, just keep the heads right."
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