Nevertheless, one Leinster county could virtually be gone from Division 1A after this weekend. With Clare already looking to be making a swift return to Division 1A, there’s a possibility next year’s top flight could be considered a dry run for the Munster senior hurling championship. Since then, there have been six all-Munster Division 1 finals and one all-Leinster decider in 16 renewals. If the southern province takes over Division 1A, it will simply be considered a sign of the times. If 2027’s Division 1A is going to be a Munster mash, Kilkenny will sure as hell want to be one of the gatecrashers.

Source: Irish Examiner February 19, 2026 18:23 UTC