Eight-team top flight a concern for Lanigan

Hurling Development Committee (HDC) chairman Tommy Lanigan has raised doubts about a return to an eight-team top flight in the National League.

The James Stephens’ man and his group will shortly present a proposal for the 2014 league and Championship to the GAA’s Central Council for consideration.

Although gate receipts for the hurling league were believed to be up this year, the sport’s top counties are keen to see a return to the eight-team Division 1 structure replaced this season by a six-team format. While the 2011 model is one of the proposals being discussed by the HDC, Lanigan is sceptical about its feasibility.