GAA director-general Paraic Duffy has pointed out that the current Allianz Hurling League format was agreed upon by the counties, and not by Croke Park.

Responding to weekend criticism of the format by Limerick manager John Allen and his Tipperary counterpart Eamon O'Shea, Duffy told the Irish Independent: "It's the counties' call. The format is decided on by Central Council where all counties are represented.

"Every proposal is given to the counties in good time to consider them. It's up to every county to sound out opinion and delegate their Central Council to vote accordingly. Croke Park, or any committee, don't make rules or set competition structures. We go by what's decided on by Central Council."

The Monaghan native confirmed that quarter-finals will be reintroduced next year following a vote taken by Central Council last December.

"A majority of counties voted for quarter-finals," he continued.

"They had two other choices but opted against them. It was well-signalled in advance what the choices were. It was done in good time so that everybody would know before the start of this year's league what next year's format would be." Tweet

Most Read Stories