While I have sympathy with Westmeath, the rules are the same now as they were at the start of the season so they can't really complain.

I'll throw in my idea on my preferred model of the NHL. Tables as they currently are. Division 1A & 1B should have semi finals consisting of the top three teams of Division 1A and the winners of Division 1B. The bottom team in Division 1A should be relegated to 1B and replaced by the winner of Division 1B. A relegation/promotion play-off should happen between the second bottom team in Division 1A and second in Division 1B.

The bottom team in Division 1B should be relegated and replaced by the Division 2A champions. A relegation/promotion play-off should happen between the second bottom team in Division 1B and second in Division 2A, and likewise down the rest of the divisions.

Constructive criticism is as always appreciated.

CletusVanDamme (Kerry) - Posts: 63 - 12/04/2016 15:24:16    1844765

While I feel for Westmeath if they can't beat a Laois team on a low ebb and missing 9/10 starters from the team that did well against Galway two years ago then they are not really designed for the higher brand of hurling!

BigJohn.6_8 (Galway) - Posts: 704 - 12/04/2016 15:43:30    1844781

You say that Big John, but last year Kerry only beat Antrim by a single point from memory, in this ridiculous promotion/relegation match.

If Antrim had retained their Div 1 status by the same margin the same mantra would probably have applied i.e. "sure Kerry weren't really good enough to have gone up anyway".

Nobody would have batted an eyelid and Kerry who were in many ways the story of this league, would have played Div 2 hurling all of this Spring.

Passer_By (Carlow) - Posts: 509 - 12/04/2016 16:29:16    1844821

If Westmeath can't beat a Laois team decimated by retirements, injuries & suspensions then they don't deserve to go up. They lost by 7 points, for God's sake!

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts:2792 - 09/04/2016 20:42:08 1843812

Southend beat Manchester united in the league cup in 2006.. United showed they don't deserve to be in the league cup by your logic

dakid (Australia) - Posts: 285 - 12/04/2016 20:02:53    1844922

I think the relegation rules are in place as teams in hurling can take fierce hidings. Laois this year had a bad defeat to Limerick in the league after 4 seasons in div 1b. They had a bad loss to Galway in the Championship last summer. I remember posters negative reaction towards Laois after that loss. I just think the GAA get cold feet and are trying to protect teams from these hidings and have these rules in place. However I don't think the second last team should have to play the last team i.e Kerry shouldn't have had to play off

crikey (Australia) - Posts: 355 - 12/04/2016 21:53:37    1844978