Offaly manager Johnny Kelly has called for provincial equality in hurling.

Whereas there is no relegation in the more high-profile Munster SHC, the team that finishes bottom in the Leinster SHC round-robin series drops to the Joe McDonagh Cup and Kelly believes this is especially unfair on teams that have just been promoted and who need time to find their feet at the highest level.

Back in the Leinster SHC this summer after a seven-year lapse, Offaly have lost their first three games and are in danger of making an instant return to the Joe McDonagh Cup with two matches still to be played against Wexford and Antrim.

“It is ruthless, but we knew that all along. We didn't go into this with our eyes closed at all. They are an ambitious bunch, we all are. We are not too deflated by that at all today, we are learning,” the Faithful boss told reporters after last Saturday’s loss to Kilkenny.

“I have a bigger issue with the structure of the competition. The team coming up from Joe McDonagh gets one shot at this and if it doesn't stick, you are gone. I know Munster is really strong, but you have no relegation out of Munster.

“I don't know how that is let pass but anyway, I'm not complaining about it. We are in this to do our best for Offaly.”

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