Top Munster officials slam ‘crazy’ League scenario
Cork and Waterford chairmen Bob Ryan and Tom Cunningham as well as Clare secretary Pat Fitzgerald have all queried the size of the league with Cunningham describing the weekend’s scenario as “crazy”.
All three counties were part of the group of eight who opposed the original six-team structure, which initially had no semi-finals before they were introduced as part of a compromise that was criticised by several among the same group. All of Munster’s five Liam MacCarthy Cup teams wanted a retention of the eight-team top flight.
Ryan believes the concerns aired about the six-team group and the cut-throat nature of it coupled with the slender difference between reward and punishment are now being realised.
“The points that were made about this (format) are being borne out now,” he claimed. “There is a thin line between a relegation play-off and a semi-final. Whatever county is relegated, it would be dreadful on them because all of the counties have given some good performances so far.
“It would be a real heavy blow. It is very tight but in saying that we have to accept this is what it is.”
Waterford currently sit pretty on the top of Division 1A on five points yet could still find themselves in a relegation play-off next month should they lose to Galway and other results go against them.
“It wouldn’t be my choice of structure,” said Cunningham, “but what I would say is that it’s been very competitive.
“Every game this weekend is of vital importance and everyone wants to reach the semi-finals but survival is also at stake.
“We were part of the eight counties who opposed this format and we hit a stone wall. We thought it was only going to be in for two years.
“It’s a very thin line and we know if we win on Sunday we’ll top the division and qualify and if we lose we could be in a relegation play-off. It’s crazy, just crazy that it all comes down to one game.
“Last year, two wins kept us up and now we have two wins and a draw and nothing is guaranteed.”
Fitzgerald, father of Clare boss Davy, argues the system is particularly harsh on the team coming up from Division 1B to Division 1A.
“The authorities felt that this was the ideal league but if you’re looking at it from a promotional point of view what happens to teams that come up from Division 1B and haven’t played at this level?
“I’m talking about ourselves obviously but it’s a difficult prospect to stay up when you’re not used to it. If it’s a case of coming up and going back down then what is that going to do for a developing team? And if you go down what’s there for you in Division 1B? I’m not casting any aspersions but there is a disparity between teams in that group and the competition isn’t any bit like Division 1A where if a mistake is made the cliff is very steep.”
Fitzgerald insists staying up in the top flight is the priority for Clare this weekend. “We want to remain where we are so that we can develop as a team. I don’t think any team can look beyond avoiding the relegation play-off. That would be our objective, anyway.”
Ryan thinks Cork will travel to Nowlan Park with both a semi-final spot and avoiding the drop in their minds. “The two objectives are of equal status. We’d be delighted to get the extra games like last year. We’d be disappointed with some of the performances that we’ve put in and the big thing this weekend is that our fate could be determined in another place.
” It won’t be until the final whistle and we hear from Waterford and Thurles that we will know where we stand. There are an awful number of scenarios. For example, if ourselves and Tipp lose, Tipp go into the relegation game.”
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