The relegation process for the Clare senior hurling championship has been thrown into disarray after Munster GAA upheld an appeal from Crusheen GAA Club.
The appeal centred around the use of scoring difference to decide the final standings in the round robin series, with Crusheen arguing that introducing that method midway through the competition was not in rule.
The appeal from Crusheen was upheld this week at a remote meeting, with the provincial body saying the matter was now being referred back to Clare GAA.
The provincial body highlighted that the notes for the 2021 Master Fixtures had outlined two straight playoffs be played to determine the teams to drop out of the top tier, and while a suggestion for the round robin series to be introduced was proposed at a meeting, it was never formally adopted.
The ruling from the Munster Council also outlined that playing games in round robin series under a “Winner on the Day” basis was also not within rule.
It stated that once a competition has begun, the regulations governing the competition cannot be changed or altered.
Crusheen and Clarecastle were both relegated following the conclusion of the round robin series, but it now looks as if they will be reinstated to the senior championship, with the possibility of a 19 team championship and three being relegated in 2022 very much on the cards.
Clare GAA issued the following statement this lunchtime.
Following the Munster Council appeal by Crusheen GAA regarding the system implemented to relegate two teams from the senior hurling championship the result of the appeal was upheld.
Clare GAA accept the findings of the appeal.
Clare GAA shall in the very near future work in conjunction with the CCCC based on the Munster Council decision.
