Division Two final success would be a bonus for Carlow and Westmeath
With the NHL being revamped again for next season, promotion to the top flight was suspended this season.
Instead, four teams are making the drop from the top tier with only four of the 12 currently in Division Two remaining on to join them.
“From the start of the year, when we looked at the new structure for the league, our priority was to get into the top four and the semi-final stages and go into the first division proper next year,” said Carlow manager Jim Greene.
“We achieved our goal a few weeks ago and it relieved some of the pressure on us. We’re kind of relaxed now and anything else that happens this year will probably be a bonus for us.”
Greene also reiterated his opinion that the absence of promotion to Division One will work in his side’s favour. With Wexford, Offaly, Laois and Antrim coming down to join them in 2009, his feelings make a good deal of sense.
Kerry and Down will complete the line-up in the refurbished division next spring.
Even with promotion being removed as a potential carrot, both Carlow and Westmeath will be eager to get their hands on silverware. Under Seamus Qualter, Westmeath have claimed two successive Christy Ring Cups but this will be Johnny Dooley’s first shot at success as a manager, having swapped his role as his predecessor’s right-hand man for the main chair.
“I’m trying to bring it to a new level and bring the players along with me to improve their skill levels, their ability and their mental approach,” said Dooley who won two All-Ireland titles and three All-Stars as a player with Offaly. I’d be reasonably happy with the progress I’ve made and it’s too early to be saying that they’re better than they were last year.”
