HDC reveal historic championship plans

The GAA's high profile Hurling Development Committee this afternoon revealed extensive proposals for the restructuring of the All-Ireland hurling championship.

The crux of the lengthy report recommends that the current championship format be amended to comprise three tiers by 2005 with the top 12 counties in tier 1, next 10 in tier 2 and remaining 11 in tier 3.

Promotion and relegation will operate within the three tiers with qualification for the top tier based on the 2004 teams involved in Div 1 of the NHL.

Speaking at the announcement of the HDC's report, GAA President Sean Kelly said: "The plan is to give far more games and far more opportunities to weaker counties.

"For example the Kerry hurlers beat Waterford in 1992 but were thumped by Tipperary the next game by Tipperary and went back to square one. It's the same story for so many weaker counties and this will give them more chance to make the breakthrough."

The HDC's extensive list of motions will be presented to next April's annual congress in Killarney with the proposals being put before the following month's Central Council meeting.

Former Wexford All-Ireland winning manager Liam Griffin, part of the HDC, said: "Life is about evolution and hurling is no different. This is a chance to make what we believe to be positive change and move the game forward."

HDC chairman Pat Dunny said: "In the future it is hoped that counties will get a minimum of three championship games and possibly four."