Changes to league system

QUARTER and semi-final games have been dispensed with for the next two years in the National Football League, while a decision on what a promotion and relegation policy in hurling will be decided at the December meeting of the Central Council.

The decision, which will see the top two teams in each group meeting in the finals, was defended yesterday by the Chairman of the Central Competitions Control Committee Jimmy Dunne on the basis that it would alleviate pressure on clubs by freeing up more Sundays.

“We expect that the decision will be criticised and that the argument will be made that it is denying counties income from participating in quarter-finals and semi-finals,’’ he commented. “It’s really about the club versus money. The counties can’t have it both ways.’’ The programme of games for football and hurling was given the seal of approval by the Management Committee at its weekend meeting and will apply for a two-year cycle, starting in 2008.