Allen fears for provincial finals

JOHN ALLEN believes the Munster and Leinster hurling championships are in serious danger of extinction due to the All-Ireland championship system introduced last year.

Prior to last season, the winners of both provincial championships were rewarded with advancement directly through to the All-Ireland semi-final.

As of last year however, all four finalists now proceed to the last eight of the national competition regardless of the result in their domestic deciders.