YESTERDAY'S final series of regulation matches in the National Hurling League has avoided creating a fixtures pile up and the definitive draw for the knockout stages was available shortly after the final whistles sounded.

In Division One, there was as much interest in the final relegation spot as in the qualifiers who had largely been decided or could have been easily predicted.

As it turned out. All Ireland champions Clare were comprehensive winners at Pairc Ui Chaoimh avoiding the drop and consigning Cork to Division Two along with Kerry and Waterford.

At the top, Galway finished first and clearly claimed one of the two automatic semifinal places. The other one will be filled by Tipperary who despite a one point defeat by Kilkenny, pip their conquerors for second place on scoring average.

Kilkenny will play Laois in the quarter finals on April 14th, and Offaly are drawn against Wexford.

Should Kilkenny win they will again face Tipperary, in the semi finals, scheduled for April 28th with the winners of Offaly Wexford playing Galway.

The first round Munster senior hurling championship clash between Cork and Limerick at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday, May 26th, will be, televised live by RTE. The winners of that match will play All Ireland champions, Clare, in the semi finals and that too will be shown live by RTE. Negotiations for the final are in progress between the Munster Council and RTE.