Westmeath hurlers seek Ulster entry

[downgirl]

I don't like this idea, Westmeath have a good chance of winning in reality, and Ulster Champions 2009 - Westmeath just doesn't sound right.  And sure what is the point when basically the Ulster Championship doesn't mean anything anymore when the winner doesn't get qualification into the Liam McCarthy Cup???

[orangeman]

I heard Kerry would like a go in Ulster as well.

[highking]

Westmeath are serious enough about this alright. In the season just gone (2008), there was a ten week break between the end of the end of the league and the start of the Christy Ring. It was like two seperate seasons with such a break. The only games happening back then were the Ulster Championship games. All striving Christy Ring teams would love to have a few competetive games in the run into the ring Cup. Westmeath would be strong enough to enter the Ulster championship at semi-final stage Id say.

[Craigyhill Terror]

Westmeath are serious enough about this alright. In the season just gone (2008), there was a ten week break between the end of the end of the league and the start of the Christy Ring. It was like two seperate seasons with such a break. The only games happening back then were the Ulster Championship games. All striving Christy Ring teams would love to have a few competetive games in the run into the ring Cup. Westmeath would be strong enough to enter the Ulster championship at semi-final stage Id say.

If Westmeath are allowed into Ulster - and I see no real reason why they shouldn't be - they should have to play from the first round. They shouldn't enter the draw at the semi-final stage while an Ulster county needs to play a couple of games to get there.
The same goes for Galway and Antrim in Leinster

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

Draw's already been made for Ulster 09 though and I can't see them going back on this. I think Antrim now get a bye straight into the Ulster final every year?

[highking]

Westmeath are serious enough about this alright. In the season just gone (2008), there was a ten week break between the end of the end of the league and the start of the Christy Ring. It was like two seperate seasons with such a break. The only games happening back then were the Ulster Championship games. All striving Christy Ring teams would love to have a few competetive games in the run into the ring Cup. Westmeath would be strong enough to enter the Ulster championship at semi-final stage Id say.

If Westmeath are allowed into Ulster - and I see no real reason why they shouldn't be - they should have to play from the first round. They shouldn't enter the draw at the semi-final stage while an Ulster county needs to play a couple of games to get there.
The same goes for Galway and Antrim in Leinster

It would be pointless bringing in Westmeath in the opening round as they would thrash either Cavan or Fermanagh. The one good thing about the Ulster Championship is that it is well graded using a stepladder system of progression. Westmeath would be on a par with Down so they would both enter the championship at the same stage.

[Gnevin]

Draw's already been made for Ulster 09 though and I can't see them going back on this. I think Antrim now get a bye straight into the Ulster final every year?

The Ulster Council said it would redo the draw if it has too. Wasn't the vote meant to be yesterday ?

[downgirl]

Why should Antrim (or any other county) get to play in 2 provincial championships??!!!

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

Why should Antrim (or any other county) get to play in 2 provincial championships??!!!

Well, for a start, Antrim need to be in Leinster to give themselves a chance of being competitive on a national Senior level. As for the Ulster championship, I assume Derry and Down want them to continue competing in Ulster as to win an Ulster championship without Antrim in it would be very much devalued. Basically Antrim need the Leinster championship and the Ulster championship needs Antrim.

[Gnevin]

Word on Radio is this has been rejected for this year at least.

[johnneycool]

Word on Radio is this has been rejected for this year at least.

by who, the Ulster council?

[Galforever]

I don't like this idea, Westmeath have a good chance of winning in reality, and Ulster Champions 2009 - Westmeath just doesn't sound right.  And sure what is the point when basically the Ulster Championship doesn't mean anything anymore when the winner doesn't get qualification into the Liam McCarthy Cup???

This is pretty much the same reason that some people in Galway didnt want us entering Leinster

[downgirl]

From BBC NI

Westmeath suffer Ulster setback 
Westmeath's hopes of competing in the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship next year have ended because the draw for the 2009 series has already been made.

The county made a "preliminary approach" to play in Ulster as they can't compete in the Leinster SHC.

However, the Ulster Council will consider Westmeath's participation in the 2010 championship if the Midlanders make a formal application.

Westmeath have won the Christy Ring Cup on two occasions.









Tighten them nicely.

[Mentalman]

Interesting that they seem to be open to the application for 2010? I thought they might not want to dilute their own championship. Does that mean any county, not playing in Liam, but in Christy, can apply i.e. Westmeath, Carlow & Kildare? It's completely ridiculous when these counties should be playing in their own provincial championship if that's what they want.

[downgirl]

Exactly Mentalman, why would you want your county to win or have the possibility of winning a provinical final that isn't even your own province.... eg Down - Munster Champions wouldn't feel the same to me as Down - Ulster Champions.