Costs of relegation from Hurling's Division 1A have rarely been greater

Whoever goes down, the repercussions are unthinkable. But why? John Fogarty takes a closer look.

GOING DOWN?: Aidan McCarthy of Clare comes up against Simon Donohue of Wexford. Pic: INPHO/James Lawlor.

The costs attached to relegation from Division 1A have rarely been greater and they will come into sharper focus for counties after this weekend’s Round 5 series of games.

Defeat for Clare against Limerick combined with wins for Cork and Wexford and the All-Ireland champions’ demotion to Division 1B will be all but confirmed.