Several big guns in NHL relegation zone

Seán Moran explains why many counties are hoping a big performance next weekend will make all the difference to their league…

Seán Moran explains why many counties are hoping a big performance next weekend will make all the difference to their league season

Division One A is up in the air with uncertainty surrounding the postponed Cork-Wexford fixture. Down will definitely be in the relegation play-offs, but the other positions are undecided.

Kilkenny have already qualified for the play-off stages in Division One B and Laois will contest the relegation play-offs.

The top team in each of the division one sections will proceed to the semi-finals. Second and third teams in both sections will play each other in cross-fixtures (2 v 3; 3 v 2). Winners to join the top two teams in semi-finals.

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The bottom two teams in each section play each other in cross fixtures (5 v 6; 6 v 5) with the losers playing off for the last place in next year's Division One.

Division Two winners - to be decided by the same process as Division One - will be promoted.

Clare

A win against Cork will probably qualify them for the semi-finals and, if not, definitely for the quarter-finals.

Waterford

As with Clare, a win in their last match will send Waterford to the play-offs, the semi-finals if Clare slip against Cork.

Offaly

Could be under pressure for the final play-off spot from the winners of the Wexford-Cork match, but a win over Waterford would qualify them.

Cork

A late run would take the All-Ireland champions to a play-off spot, possibly a semi-final should Offaly beat Waterford.

Wexford

If they can win their remaining two matches, there is a possibility they can qualify, provided Clare and Waterford beat Cork and Offaly.

Down

Relegation play-offs.

Kilkenny

Already qualified for the play-offs. A win in Galway would advance them to the semi-finals.

Limerick

A win against Antrim guarantees them a play-off spot and the semi-final place if Galway beat Kilkenny. Defeat by more than a point and a win by Galway would nudge them out of contention.

Galway

Their recovered form and strong scoring difference gives them a good shot at the play-offs. Victory over Kilkenny will guarantee them the play-offs, but they can't make the semi-finals.

Antrim

An excellent season could still see them qualify for the play-offs should they beat Limerick by more than one point, but defeat will probably leave them in the relegation zone.

Tipperary

Disappointing campaign could end in the relegation play-offs. Victory over Laois, providing Antrim don't win, will see Tipp break free of that ignominy and, should Kilkenny and Limerick win, they would take the last play-off position.

Laois

Relegation play-offs.