Tipp two-tier hurling plan stirs up a hornet’s nest

PROPOSALS to introduce a two-tier hurling championship at senior level in Tipperary for 2004 have stirred up a hornet’s nest among a number of the county’s leading clubs.

Last year’s senior championship consisted of 26 teams, but under the new proposals, this is to be reduced to 12 in the “A” grade and 13 in the “B” grade. Former county champions Borris-Ileigh, Cashel King Cormacs, Hollycross-Ballycahill, Roscrea and Kilruane MacDonaghs would be relegated to the “B” grade.

In the latter’s case, this is totally unacceptable. They won the county intermediate title in 2003 which automatically guaranteed them senior status, but would be denied the chance to compete in the top flight for the coming year if the new proposals are accepted.