Galway is up in arms with the GAA's recent move to limit the number of senior teams in county championships throughout the country.
Under the motion, which was passed at last weekend's GAA Congress, Galway football would need to lose two teams from the senior structure to meet the maximum requirement of 16 teams, but Galway hurling - as the second biggest senior championship in Ireland - would be required to lose eight teams to adhere to the newly-imposed edict.
Galway hurling chairman Paul Bellew says it is a needless requirement - "trying to create a solution to a problem that is not there", while also interfering in the what has been county board's responsibilities.
He says it is worrying that clubs and county boards are being stripped of decision making powers, given that Croke Park will not be "making up the fixture lists, finding the venues, or the referees".
"It has far reaching implications and we want to give clubs and county boards the say in their own."
Bellew says the move is both "confusing and bizarre", given that Cork supported the motion to cap the number of teams to 16, but also claimed they understood their championship was exempt from the change.
"There is still confusion and clarity is needed. It will have no effect on most counties, and to them would make common sense, but players and clubs here in Galway put a high status on hurling."
Bellew is seeking clarification from Croke Park concerning Cork's situation.
"If it falls in one county, then it should fall in every county. What assurances have Cork been given? And what is the difference between their divisional competition that runs concurrently, and our senior B that runs concurrently - that is the question?"
The change, he says, has major ramifications for all clubs - the 24 senior cubs - divided into senior A and B, intermediate and also junior clubs, who could now lose the opportunity to move up a grade. It could also affect this year's championship, while also diluting Galway's current top strata.
"At the moment we have 12 senior A teams, and a 16-team championship dilutes that. So for our top 12 teams in senior A, we will never have a more competitive structure than now.
"It also affects senior B and intermediate. Are we better off that our teams from 17 to 32 are playing for an intermediate title? There are benefits, but we need to look at the evidence first."
Bellew says clubs will oppose losing their status.
"It is easy to say there are too many teams, but it has an effect on playing numbers, and you have to be mindful of duel clubs."
Bellew says the Croke Park changes will be discussed with the clubs.
"This is one that will shape Galway hurling and it will be their decision."
