When promotion becomes a double-edged sword

Given the 2A league champions go straight into the top-tier Division 1, as opposed to the old Division 1B which was scrapped two years ago, is promotion as beneficial as it once was from a player development viewpoint?

Kerry hurling manager Stephen Molumphy

The race to join hurling’s top flight has narrowed from six to three, but how many of those teams still in the hunt for league promotion will openly admit that they might be better off remaining in Division 2A.

Tomorrow afternoon in TEG Cusack Park (1pm), Westmeath host Kerry in the Division 2A semi-final. For the winners, Down await in the promotion decider.