McManus defends NFL structure

CIARAN McMANUS has defended the structure of the Allianz NFL despite criticism that the latter stages of the competition were impinging on teams’ preparations for the All-Ireland championship.

McManus' Offaly meet Down in the Division Two final at Croke Park on Sunday knowing that, if the game ends in a draw, they will face a replay seven days later, which is only a week before both begin their provincial championship campaigns.

Had Tyrone won their replayed semi-final against Galway last Sunday, the reigning champions would have been faced with the prospect of playing four competitive games in four weeks with the last being their Ulster opener against Derry.