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How Do We Take Hurling On From Here

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The first three editions of the Tier 2 - Christy Ring Cup had 2 groups of 5. Top 2 from each group into semi finals. Bottom teams into relegation final. They had it too good. A Kilkenny GAA President had to ruin it all.
The Tier 2 - Joe Mac should be something like that. 2 groups of 5. 2nd at home v 3rd in quarter finals. 1st at home v QF winners in semi finals. Joe Mac final as curtain raiser to All Ireland semi final.
Example groups:
A - Antrim, Westmeath, Down, Derry, Wicklow.
B - Carlow, Laois, London, Kerry, Meath.
QFs:
Westmeath v Kerry (pip London to 3rd!)
Laois v Down
SFs:
Antrim v Laois
Carlow v Kerry (shock QF win!)

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9525 - 14/03/2026 14:50:31    2661147

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Replying To legendzxix:  "The first three editions of the Tier 2 - Christy Ring Cup had 2 groups of 5. Top 2 from each group into semi finals. Bottom teams into relegation final. They had it too good. A Kilkenny GAA President had to ruin it all.
The Tier 2 - Joe Mac should be something like that. 2 groups of 5. 2nd at home v 3rd in quarter finals. 1st at home v QF winners in semi finals. Joe Mac final as curtain raiser to All Ireland semi final.
Example groups:
A - Antrim, Westmeath, Down, Derry, Wicklow.
B - Carlow, Laois, London, Kerry, Meath.
QFs:
Westmeath v Kerry (pip London to 3rd!)
Laois v Down
SFs:
Antrim v Laois
Carlow v Kerry (shock QF win!)"
The current system is fine. There is too much of an imbalance in those groups that you have up. Maybe that gives kerry a better chance of winning or something I dont know but the hurling pyramid is almost entirely merit based. That is a good thing. I get that you dont like that but it is.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 77 - 14/03/2026 18:27:20    2661163

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "The current system is fine. There is too much of an imbalance in those groups that you have up. Maybe that gives kerry a better chance of winning or something I dont know but the hurling pyramid is almost entirely merit based. That is a good thing. I get that you dont like that but it is."
Merit based is fine. Doesn't mean the current tiered breakdown is set in stone. There are Tailteann Cup semi finals in Croke Park. With the preliminary quarter finals rightly scrapped, a format where there are at least two Joe Mac semi finals should be brought in.
With home All Ireland preliminary quarter finals rightly scrapped, home Joe Mac semi finals with a good sized crowd in attendance should be the target. Needs to be a bit of consultation between HQ, Joe Mac and Ring counties on shuffling a couple of counties up to Tier 2.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9525 - 15/03/2026 08:05:57    2661210

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