People keep commenting as to the fact now the Championship really starts. Its the same thing every year, from this stage on we tend to see better games and less complaining about the approach of teams.
The current system for example really gives no advantages to winning your province apart from the obvious glory of winning a trophy but the fact is win your province and your one of only 4 counties who cant avail of a back door. Provincial football is dead in Leinster, only 15k turned up to the Connacht final meanwhile Kerry steamrolled through Munster. Ulster is at least competitive.
We have the case with Kerry at the moment where they can possibly reach an All Ireland semi final by simply beating Tipperary once and Clare twice. Meanwhile look at the route Tyrone have to reach the same level?
Maybe the biggest issue with our game isnt the rules but the layout?
Replying To tearintom: "Anyone think its possible or probable?
People keep commenting as to the fact now the Championship really starts. Its the same thing every year, from this stage on we tend to see better games and less complaining about the approach of teams.
The current system for example really gives no advantages to winning your province apart from the obvious glory of winning a trophy but the fact is win your province and your one of only 4 counties who cant avail of a back door. Provincial football is dead in Leinster, only 15k turned up to the Connacht final meanwhile Kerry steamrolled through Munster. Ulster is at least competitive.
We have the case with Kerry at the moment where they can possibly reach an All Ireland semi final by simply beating Tipperary once and Clare twice. Meanwhile look at the route Tyrone have to reach the same level?
Maybe the biggest issue with our game isnt the rules but the layout?"
The gap between stronger and so-called weaker counties is widening.
A backdoor championship means many weaker counties treat games against stronger counties like a trip to the dentist. They don't like it but it has to be done. But if provinces were still knockout they'd definitely be upping their efforts and the gap might tighten. Now they'll get the tough game out and try peaking for the backdoor.
Scrap the provincial leagues and the league and make 4 divisions of equal mixed levels. A lot of hidings at the start but division 3 and 4 teams rarely improve playing similarly poor standard teams in the league, a morale busting hammering in championship and might scrape one win in the backdoor. The league should be about improving overall standards, not dividing the strong and the weak. Slowly overall standards should improve.
League finishes early April. Then knockout provincials no bearing on All Ireland. An open draw All Ireland knockout starting mid-June. Teams guaranteed 2 games, same as they get 2 now. Supporters get more intense competitive knockout games.
Not the proposed, by many, 'Some of Ireland' A championship and 'Small Ireland' B championship that insults the intelligence of many counties, their supporters and players.
Replying To tearintom: "Anyone think its possible or probable?
People keep commenting as to the fact now the Championship really starts. Its the same thing every year, from this stage on we tend to see better games and less complaining about the approach of teams.
The current system for example really gives no advantages to winning your province apart from the obvious glory of winning a trophy but the fact is win your province and your one of only 4 counties who cant avail of a back door. Provincial football is dead in Leinster, only 15k turned up to the Connacht final meanwhile Kerry steamrolled through Munster. Ulster is at least competitive.
We have the case with Kerry at the moment where they can possibly reach an All Ireland semi final by simply beating Tipperary once and Clare twice. Meanwhile look at the route Tyrone have to reach the same level?
Maybe the biggest issue with our game isnt the rules but the layout?"
Winning your province gets you a bye to the All Ireland quarterfinals.
You also avoid other provincial champions until the semifinals.
10 of 15 All Ireland champions have been provincial champions and each of the last 5.
It is a definite advantage.
Having said that I wouldn't be against a return to the straight knockout championship format coupled with the league starting later and no break between the two competitions.
I agree with GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts:2577 - 20/07/2016. Have provincials which have no bearing on All Ireland . Followed by an Open Championship . I'd have more divisions in the league so divisions have less teams. Less games but teams would still have the prestige of being a Div One team or a Div Two team for example. Simple solution.