A DECISION ON the future of the Allianz Hurling Leagues has yet to be reached, the GAA said in a statement today.

A scheme had recently been proposed that would see Cork and Limerick play among eight teams in Division 1A next year.

However, the problems with this new proposal were outlined as follows by the organisation today.

“a. Two of the 10 “strong hurling” counties condemned to play against lower quality opposition i.e. Wexford and Offaly
b. If Division1B is expanded to 8 teams, quality will be even lower
c. Wexford and Offaly almost certainly guaranteed a final place.”

An alternative proposal was then put forward by Michael Burns, a member of the National Fixtures Planning Committee, looking to rank teams based on the previous year’s results, and encompassing A, B and C sections, with the following example given.

Tipperary A
Kilkenny A
Galway A
Waterford A
Clare B
Cork B
Limerick B
Dublin B
Offaly C
Wexford C
Antrim C
Laois C

The sides would then be divided into two different leagues, with two teams from each grade put into the respective leagues.

The top two teams from each league will then advance to the semi-finals, while the bottom two teams from each will play-off for relegation.

Moreover, each county will play another county in its own section once (five games), while each county plays the two teams of the same grade in the opposite section (two games).

So every county would play seven games with at least three home matches, and they would play at least two A counties, while all the A counties will play each other.

Teams will now be given time to discuss and consider this proposal.

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