Relegation-threatened counties appeal to the DRA

Representatives from the Antrim, Clare, Offaly and Wexford GAA County Boards are expected to meet with the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) tonight in Dundalk to try and halt the Senior Hurling Championship relegation play-off matches which are set to take place tomorrow.

It is understood that while Antrim sought the DRA case initially, they will be joined by officials from the other three counties involved in the relegation fixtures.

GAA President Christy Cooney failed to comment when asked about the situation this morning at Croke Park.

However, it seems highly unlikely that tomorrow's games between Antrim and Offaly (at Parnell Park) and Clare and Wexford (at O'Moore Park in Portlaoise) will not go ahead.

Reports this morning suggested that Clare and Wexford were planning a boycott of their fixture, but with Slaneysiders boss Colm Bonnar announcing his team last night, it is anticipated that they will fulfil the fixture.

The losers of tomorrow's games will meet in a relegation final, with the losers of that fixture setting their sights on Tier 2 hurling next year in the Christy Ring Cup.

Carlow have already been granted top flight status for 2010, thanks to their recent Christy Ring Cup final victory over Down at Croke Park