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.