All Ireland Lower Tier Hurling Championships 2023 (JM,CR,NR,LRM Cups)

Wicklow in the NR is a bit of a joke. Only reason for relegation last year was that most of the players wouldn't play under the old manager. As a county we are fielding circa 20 adult teams over 3 divisions. This year the county team is back to full strength so it won't be nice seeing us playing the likes of Fermanagh, Louth etc...

Down 1-14 Kerry 1-26, Ballycran FT

Offaly 3-19 Laois 1-22, Glenisk O'Connor Park FT

Carlow 5-23 Kildare 0-19, Netwatch Cullen Park FT

Final Scores - Offaly beating Laois the most significant result there, the 6 day turnaround didnt bother Offaly.

Moreover, Kerry will feel slightly aggrieved, as in recent seasons, including last month, they've only been edged out by Offaly by a single point on each occasion, so will fancy their chances of causing an upset in Tullamore.

Especially since they've made 12 changes.

Kildare have been a big let down in the Joe McDonagh. Having almost gone up to Div 1 they could find themselves in the Christy Ring next year again. While they should have enough to get over Down it's anything but guaranteed.

On another note while they haven't got he results but Fermanagh in the Nicky Rackard, considering they've only one club, have put in some very good displays.

Sligo have also done very well in the Christy Ring this year.

From the few Kildare games I was at they were very negative/defensive - think Herity got his tactics wrong looked like they were scarred to go toe to toe. Were never likely to do anything.

While few would agree with him i still think the All-Ireland Intermediate should be brought back. The issue with everyone outside of the top tier is they just don't play enough games. For example with an Intermediate All-Ireland that was straight knockout you could have the following.

Munster with Kerry and the others Intermediate teams. Leinster Carlow. Kildare and Laois along with Kilkenny, Wexford, and Dublin Intermediate teams. Ulster everyone bar Antrim who would have an Intermediate team. Connacht Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo along with Galway Intermediates.

I could never understand why counties didn't use it morewhen it was there, as it is was perfect way to blood younger players. If it was brought back it would give McDonagh Cup etc teams a bit of extra game time with teams who would be a steep above them but not lightyears ahead.

It's apparently because Offaly U20s game. But is this the GAAs excuse to do the same as they did to the Christy Ring etc and push it into the background.

Definitely not. 4 teams getting out of a 5 team group makes the group pointless.You could win 1 game out of 4 and progress. You could even go through with 1 point and good scoring difference.

Just have the 3rd place team play the provincial runner up which is what ends up happening 99% of the time anyway.

Not progressing would also mean that JMcD wouldn't need to be squashed into the tight space in the calendar it in.

Try a device 😊.

Sending off for the face gaurd being fouled, no? Do these bozos on commentaty know the rules?