Alarm bells Ring for ‘weaker’ counties

AS long as anyone can recall, the weaker teams at hurling’s top table have been crying out for more summer games with which to hone their skills and close the gap on the Corks and Kilkennys.

It’s more than a little ironic, then, that Offaly will meet Antrim and Laois will take on Dublin tomorrow with all four praying it will be their last game of the season.

The losers from each tie will be only 70 minutes away from relegation and the chilling prospect of not competing for the Liam McCarthy Cup next year.