This evening saw the publication on GAA.ie of new proposals to restructure the National Hurling League and it’s fair to say the reaction across the county has been a strong one. These proposals would see Limerick elevated to Division 1A and Cork avoiding the drop to 1B, increasing 1A to 8 teams and reducing 1B 6 teams. This proposal will go to Central Council for consideration and a vote on the 12th of October.
Our Twitter account, @OfficialWexGAA has been inundated with supporters and past players expressing their anger and opposition to the proposals. There is a sense of grievance that these changes are being made to suit particular counties at the expense of Wexford. Wexford County Chairman, Diarmuid Deveraux has vowed to oppose this proposal, taking the fight to the highest levels and calling on the support of our friends and supporters to do so.
The impact on Wexford would be hugely detrimental; we are looking forward to hopefully hosting Cork, Offaly and Limerick in 2014, now this would be snatched away should these proposals be accepted. There are of course financial impacts for Wexford, the 2013 hurling league income was the lowest ever, with only 2 home games. This has real consequences, damaging our ability to prepare, to fund development and compete, something Wexford GAA can’t and won’t ignore. The fact is that our young senior hurling team need more games at a higher level not fewer games.
In addition this proposal would mean less opportunity for our supporters to see big names in action in Wexford Park, reducing the excitement and profile of the game in the county at a time when we are working hard to turn rejuvenate the game.
The proposal smacks of an arbitrary decision, a reactionary move motivated by the prominence of Limerick and Cork in the latter stages of the championship.
Wexford GAA will be mounting a vigorous campaign to oppose the proposal and need all our clubs, supporters and officials to support us in this. Now we need to work together, to focus and use our anger, for it to drive us on. Let’s bounce back and demand the respect we deserve.
NHL Proposal
ROINN 1A
Tiobraid Árann
Cill Chainnigh
Gaillimh
Port Láirge
An Clár
Áth Cliath
Corcaigh
Luimneach
Each team to play 7 ordinary rounds.
The top 3 teams contest the Roinn 1 Semi-Finals along with the Roinn 1B winner.
Semi-Finals: Top Team in Roinn 1A v Winner 1B; second team in Roinn 1A v third team in Roinn 1A.
The Semi-Final winners play in the Final.
The eighth placed team relegated to Roinn 1B.
The seventh placed team plays a relegation /promotion play off with the losers of the Roinn 1B Final.
ROINN 1B
Uíbh Fhailí
Loch Garman
Aontroim
Ceatharlach
Laois
Iar Mhí
Each team to play 5 ordinary rounds.
The top 4 teams contest the Roinn 1B Semi-Finals (1 v 4 and 2 v 3).
The Semi-Final winners play in the Roinn 1B Final.
The Roinn 1B Final winner is promoted to Roinn 1A and qualifies for the Roinn 1 Semi-Final.
The Roinn 1B Final loser plays a promotion/relegation play off with Team 7 from Roinn 1A.
The bottom team relegated to Roinn 2A.
ROINN 2A
Ciarraí
Doire
Cill Mhantáin
Cill Dara
An Mhí
Londain
Each team to play 5 ordinary rounds.
The top 2 teams contest the Roinn 2A Final.
The Roinn 2A Final winner is promoted to Roinn 1B.
The bottom team relegated to Roinn 2B.
ROINN 2B
An Dún
Maigh Eo
Ard Mhacha
Ros Comáin
Fingal
Dún na nGall
Each team to play 5 ordinary rounds.
The top 2 teams contest the Roinn 2B Final.
The Roinn 2B Final winner promoted to Roinn 2A.
The bottom team relegated to Roinn 3A.
ROINN 3A
An Lú
Fear Manach
Tír Eoghain
Muineachán
Each team to play 3 ordinary rounds.
The top 2 teams contest the Roinn 3A Final.
The Roinn 3A Final winners are promoted to Roinn 2B.
The bottom team relegated to Roinn 3B
ROINN 3B
Longfort
Sligeach
Warwickshire
Liatroim
Each team to play 3 ordinary rounds.
The top 2 teams contest the Roinn 3B Final.
The Roinn 3B Final winners are promoted to Roinn 3A.
More information: http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0110131727-allianz-hurling-league-structures/
