Relegation clashes in doubt as counties demand end to series

A MAJOR question mark hangs over today’s All-Ireland SHC relegation ties after all four competing counties last night officially called for the series to be scrapped.

Antrim, Offaly, Clare and Wexford took a joint case to the Disputes Resolution Authority at a north-east location calling for the games not to go ahead.

Antrim are due to face Offaly at Parnell Park and the losers will meet either Clare or Wexford, who are scheduled to play in Portlaoise, in a relegation final.

However, the competing counties argued late into the night at the DRA hearing that a return to the previous system should take place where promotion and relegation was decided by a single tie play-off tie.

Under that system the Christy Ring Cup winners would meet the lowest ranked team in the MacCarthy Cup to decide on their status for the following season.

A further difficulty with this year’s relegation system is that Antrim appear to hold a pass to the Leinster championship and, by extension, the MacCarthy Cup for three seasons.

They were drafted in this year along with Galway with the move set to be reviewed only after three years.

It appears Antrim would agree to potentially take part in a relegation battle but under the old system of a single play-off tie. “We would be looking for the reinstatement of what was there before, where a relegation/promotion play-off tie decided the situation,” said Antrim secretary Frankie Quinn.

The Saffrons official said there was no question of Antrim not fulfiling today’s tie in the event that the DRA rules the games must take place.

“Our team is prepared to play and we’re ready for the game,” said Quinn.

“However, as of now (Friday afternoon) we’re looking for a resolution to this and hoping to get that from the DRA.

“If these games go out, it won’t sort out any problems. I can’t speak for any other counties, only my own, but it was never a consideration of ours that we wouldn’t fulfil the fixture. We’re fully geared up to play the match.”

Asked if the DRA application was being lodged on behalf of all four counties, Quinn said: “Absolutely.”

Meanwhile Kieran McGeeney has scotched reports linking him to the managerial vacancy in his native Armagh by reiterating his commitment to Kildare until at least the end of 2010.