Saffrons ordered into play-offs

Antrim's defeat by Laois leaves them facing a relegation play-off

The GAA has ruled that Antrim must compete in All-Ireland Hurling relegation play-offs despite the Saffrons' opposition.

Antrim have claimed that they should be immune from relegation from the Liam McCarthy Cup because they have been given three years in the Leinster SHC.

The GAA's management committee met on Friday and ruled that the play-offs should go ahead, starting on 25 July.

A GAA statement said the decision had been taken "in accordance with rule".

Wexford are scheduled to play Clare with Antrim facing Offaly before the two losing teams play off to determine who will be relegated.

The confusion has already led to the scheduled relegation play-offs being delayed from the original dates of this weekend.

Antrim are now pencilled in to face Offaly in one relegation semi-final on 25 July, with the losers playing the losers of the Clare and Wexford clash to decide which team is relegated to the Christy Ring Cup.

Carlow, as winners of the Christy Ring Cup, have qualified to play in next season's Liam McCarthy Cup.

A GAA Special Congress granted Galway and Antrim spots in the Leinster Championship last October and the general understanding was that the arrangement would run on a trial basis for three years before being reviewed.

Antrim claim they have been given a guarantee of a three-year period in the Liam McCarthy Cup and Leinster Championship in an attempt to improve hurling standards in the northern county.