Relegation confusion leads to deferrals

CONFUSION continues to reign over the All-Ireland SHC relegation race as GAA chiefs yesterday deferred this weekend’s Round 1 fixtures.

The identity of the four teams battling to beat the drop was confirmed on Saturday evening when Clare and Wexford were both defeated in their All-Ireland SHC Phase 2 qualifier ties. Clare against Wexford, and Antrim against Offaly were the two relegation matches originally pencilled in for this Saturday, but the CCCC decided yesterday to postpone the games until Saturday week, July 25th, citing the need to clarify promotion and relegation issues with An Coiste Bainistí.

The uncertainty has arisen following claims last week by Antrim officials that they were promised a three-year stint in Leinster when they agreed to enter the province last autumn and that participation in the Leinster SHC ensures eligibility for the Liam MacCarthy Cup.