Rivalry Renewed

By Shane Brophy

When the powers that be in the GAA decided on another format change for the National Hurling League and return to the merit based determination of the best teams in the top division, 2025 is what they envisaged.

With two rounds of games to be played (three for Limerick as they have a rescheduled game v Kilkenny) nothing has been determined of who will be in the April 15th final or the two teams being relegated to division 1B.

Clare’s win over Limerick last Sunday set the cat among the pigeons somewhat as it ensured they and Wexford had been spared the drop for another round at least.

The result was also notable from a Tipperary point of view as while they currently sit on top of the table with two games to go, there is still a scenario where they can fall all the way to second bottom and be relegated.

It would take two losses in their final two games plus a unique set of other results for that to happen, but Tipperary can eliminate those scenarios if they get a result out of UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny next Sunday, against a home side who themselves are now under pressure in terms of avoiding the drop following their loss to Cork last Saturday.

A positive result would also put Tipperary on the cusp of reaching a first National League final since 2018.

See more on pages 70 & 71.