WEXFORD HAVE VOWED to fight against the new National Hurling League proposals which would be “hugely detrimental” to the county if passed.
The GAA will vote next week on plans to expand Division 1A to eight teams, re-instating relegated Cork and beaten Division 1B finalists Limerick in the top flight from 2014 onwards.
If the new format is approved Wexford will remain in a much weaker six-team Division 1B and will also lose out on the expected windfalls from their two home games against the Munster giants next season.
Wexford last night slammed the proposal as “a reactionary move motivated by the prominence of Limerick and Cork in the latter stages of the championship.”
“There is a sense of grievance that these changes are being made to suit particular counties at the expense of Wexford,” they said in a statement.
“Wexford County Chairman Diarmuid Deveraux has vowed to oppose this proposal, taking the fight to the highest levels and calling on the support of our friends and supporters to do so.
“The impact on Wexford would be hugely detrimental; we are looking forward to hopefully hosting Cork, Offaly and Limerick in 2014, now this would be snatched away should these proposals be accepted.
There are of course financial impacts for Wexford, the 2013 hurling league income was the lowest ever, with only 2 home games. This has real consequences, damaging our ability to prepare, to fund development and compete, something Wexford GAA can’t and won’t ignore.
“The fact is that our young senior hurling team need more games at a higher level not fewer games.”
The county board have promised to mount “a vigorous campaign” ahead of the vote, which will be taken by the GAA’s Central Council on 12 October.
If the new structure is approved by a simple majority, it will remain in place for five years.
