New hurling league format eliminates quarter and semi-finals

A RADICAL new-style format for the Allianz National Hurling League which eliminates quarter and semi-final games was formally approved by the Central Council at the weekend.

The format will feature two six-team groups in Division One, with each team guaranteed five ordinary rounds in the first series and the top three teams in each section playing off against each other in the next series.

Instead of deciding the winners by playing quarter and semi-finals, the top two counties to emerge from the second series will play off in the final.

Similar arrangements have been made for Division Two and Division Three, each of which will include two five-team groups.

Dates and pairings for both leagues were confirmed at the meeting. The Football League will begin on February 2, with a number of exciting pairings, notably the All-Ireland semi-final repeats between Armagh and Dublin in Parnell Park and Cork against Kerry either at Pairc Ui Chaoimh or Pairc Ui Rinn.

The Allianz National Hurling League will start on February 23, when All-Ireland champions Kilkenny will be away to Waterford and defeated finalists Clare will be at home to Laois.