Dooley calls for return to 12-team top tier

CRITICISMS of the NHL’s second tier are escalating following Offaly manager Joe Dooley’s call for a return to last year’s system which catered for a 12-team top tier with two groups of six.

Clare counterpart Mike McNamara ignited the debate Sunday when, after his side’s defeat to Dublin which confirmed relegation, he claimed the Banner would boycott Division Two where he said Offaly and Wexford were playing “meaningless” matches.

Antrim chairman John McSparran was understandably aggrieved by that remark given his county’s defeat of Wexford early last month.