Galway boss McIntyre backs moves to reintroduce league semi-finals

GALWAY hurling boss John McIntyre has backed moves to reinstate semi-finals in the National League.

The matter will be discussed at Congress next year and if the motion is passed, the old format will be in place for the 2012 football and hurling campaigns. McIntyre’s Galway claimed the NHL bragging rights with victory over Cork in this season’s decider — but only after the sides faced one another in a meaningless final round game

He recalled: “It was unfortunate the way that worked out, three of the four games in the last round were basically academic, with the Limerick/Dublin relegation game the exception. If semi-finals came back into it that wouldn’t happen, which would mean the last round of matches would have a competitive edge. The concluding stages of the league are right on the doorstep of the championship and every competitive match you get around April and May is an obvious benefit.