National Hurling League
| Allianz National Hurling League | |
|---|---|
Current season or competition: 2017 National Hurling League
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| Irish | Sraith Iomána Náisiúnta |
| Code | Hurling |
| Founded | 1925–26 |
| Region | Ireland (GAA) |
| Trophy | Dr. Croke Cup |
| No. of teams | 34 (2015) |
| Title holders | Clare (4th title) |
| Most titles | Tipperary (19 titles) |
| Sponsors | Allianz |
| TV partner(s) |
TG4 Setanta Sports Premier Sports |
| Official website | Official Website |
The National Hurling League is a league competition featuring amateur inter-county hurling teams from Ireland and England. Founded in 1925, it is regarded as the secondary inter-county hurling competition after the All-Ireland Championship. The National Hurling League has been associated with a title sponsor since 1985. As this sponsor has changed over the years the league too has been known by various names. After its title sponsors, the National Hurling League has formerly been known as the Ford National Hurling League, the Royal Liver National Hurling League and the Church & General National Hurling League. The competition is currently known as the Allianz Hurling League.
Currently it has 34 teams divided into six divisions, which are known as Divisions 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B. Six teams participate in the top five divisions with four teams contesting the bottom division. Promotion and relegation between these divisions is a central feature of the National Hurling League. Although primarily a competition for Irish inter-county teams, teams from England, London and Warwickshire, also take part, while in the past New York also fielded a team for the latter stages of the League.
The Gaelic Athletic Association organises the league, which begins in February and concludes in May, at which stage the league final is held. The prize for the winning Division 1A team is the Dr. Croke Cup. In some seasons, including 2012, the winner of Division 1B is allowed to compete in the knockout stages of the Division 1A title.
The Division 1 title has been won at least once by ten different teams, nine of which have won the title more than once. The all-time record-holders are Tipperary, who have won the competition 19 times. Clare are the current champions.
The NHL was first held in 1925–26, 38 years after the first All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, with Cork being the first winners. The League has traditionally played second fiddle to the All-Ireland, with most counties using it as a warm-up for the All-Ireland. This was not helped by the fact that the League was played in winter (November–March usually) while the championship had the more attractive summer dates and knockout structure.
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Wikipedia