Given that the provincial councils won't approve the relocation of 4 counties under the FRC's 4x8 plan, why not give all 32 counties two chances, ONLY AFTER the provincial SF pairings are determined. By putting the 'provincial SF 16' and the 'non-SF 16' on an equal footing with entry to Qualifier Rd 2 for 16 losers, the provincial imbalance is neutralised. For example, all 12 provincial QFs serve to group the 12 winners with 4 byes in Munster/Connacht in one half of the draw, with the 12 losers joining 4 preliminary losers in Leinsrer/Ulster in the other half. From there, the 4 provincial final losers and 16 winners from Qualifier Rds 1 OR 2, pair off in a 20-team Rd 3 in an 'FA Cup' style open draw.
2 losers from a 'Provincial Champions' Rd' enter 12-team Rd 4 (seeded draw) - 6 winners join 2 unbezten Prov Champs in the AI QFs (open draw).

Option - To give 'developing counties' a 'Tommy Murphy Cup' (TMC) type trophy to aim for on the 'Road toward Sam', put the 8 Qual Rd 1 winners in the TMC QFs, the 8 losers alone in Qual Rd 2, and align these pairings with the Provincial SF 16. This will lead to Qual Rds 3, 4 & 5 with quantities of 16, 14 & 10 - with the 5 winners joining two unbeaten prov champs and TMC champ in the AI QFs.

Is this too good for GAA approval ?

omahant (USA) - Posts: 2580 - 31/01/2015 17:59:37    1688395

162 reads and no responses - is this not an important topic to improve scheduling and fair competition ? Or maybe, I have exhausted all of you ? :)

omahant (USA) - Posts: 2580 - 01/02/2015 18:19:06    1688790

Maybe put all your ideas into one thread omahant as then everyone can compare each of your proposals and give opinions on them then. Im not so sure on that working and think whole season needs to change and the main competition of the year needs to have a substantial league base/8 groups of 4 etc...

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 01/02/2015 18:55:04    1688818

omahant, it is a pointless debate. I think that the gaa will not change in the foreseeable future. They will stick to what they know, and it is for gate purposes rather than anything else. If attendances were to go down, then the whole thing goes out the window on them. Its too big a risk to mix up group stages at the expense of the current competitions. I do agree that change would be very interesting. But ultimately it is not going to happen.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 01/02/2015 20:10:27    1688900

Beats the Leinster round robin idea !

In my proposal, all Leinster and Ulster counties play at least their third match in Qual Rd 2 or 3 (not unlike round robin systems, but without dead rubbers). Also, Qual Rd 1 pairings could have an 'intra-province' pairing restriction (with Uls prel rd loser to Lein).

To ensure that the Munster and Connacht 'bye' teams get a similar third match in Rds 2 or 3, have them pair-off in 'two-legged semi finals' to offset the lack of a prov quarter final match.

Now really - with the provincial championship structure totally untouched under this current plan of mine, to not address the imbalance outside of the provinces (via the Qualifiers and Champs Playoff Rd) is just plain 'pig headed'.

I'm sure most of you will find yet another way for disagreement.

omahant (USA) - Posts: 2580 - 03/02/2015 18:41:58    1689770