Joe Cooney fears new hurling format will dilute quality

Clare chairman Joe Cooney is fearful the changes brought about at Special Congress will dilute the competitiveness of the Allianz League and Munster SHC, as well as provide further uncertainty to the club player.

Clare officials, having held lengthy discussions with club delegates and senior management ahead of last Saturday’s Special Congress, were hopeful of the status quo prevailing. And while Cooney is thankful for the two home games they are guaranteed in the Munster SHC for the next three summers, he believes there will be repercussions elsewhere.

The first round of the Clare SHC is typically played off in mid-May, this is no longer possible, however, under the structure voted in last weekend. A mid-April start is now mooted, but the picture becomes unclear thereafter.