 The inauguration of the Christy Ring Cup and Nicky Rackard Cup gave new championships and an opportunity to play in Croke Park to the weaker county teams.Further dissemination of the championship structure was completed in 2009 with the addition of the Lory Meagher Cup to make it a four tier championship.Hurling was an unofficial sport at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States.