Top 10 Open Draw - 2 groups of 5 (1A & 1B) - 4 games per team - each top 3 to AI Tier 1 KO QFs - two 2nds host two other group 3rds; two 1sts host two other group 'Middle 10' 1sts.
Middle 10 Open Draw - 2 groups of 5 (2A & 2B) - 4 games per team - each group winner to AI Tier 1 KO QFs. Also, each 2nd and 3rd (as well as each 4th and 5th from the Top 10) to strong AI Tier 2 KO QFs - two 4ths host two other group 3rds; two 2nds host two other group 5ths - Tier 2 Finalists (and two group winners) go up or stay in the Top 10 the following year.
Lower 12 Fixed Draw - 4 local groups of 3 (3A, 3B, 3C & 3D) - 4 games per team (double rd) - each group top 2 (as well as each 4th and 5th from the Middle 10) to 12-team AI Tier 3 KO - two 4ths and 'best two of four' 1sts get byes and host QFs - two other 1sts and two 5ths host four 2nds in the QF Playoff Rd - Tier 3 Semi Finalists go up or stay in the Middle 10 the following year.
Play Prov Championships KO separately and early in the year (before the AI group stage above.)
To avoid 2nd string teams in August - improve the Super 8s - by amending to the double elimination of the Old C Ring Cup -
Initial two games per team - 2 winners in matches between 4 1st rd match winners to SFs - 2 losers in matches between 4 1st rd match losers are out - and the other 4 to QFs - and worked well - could be expanded to a 32-team field - although I like this without having a 'winners bracket' - just an open draw in the 2nd rd as follows.
Top ranked 16 - After 8 1st rd pairings, the 16 are paired again in an open draw without repeat pairings - double winners (could be none to 4) advance to Last 16 - double losers are out - the rest (could be all 16 teams, unlikely) to the Last 16 Playoff Rd (top ranked head-to-head).
Lower ranked 16 - After 8 1st rd pairings, the 16 are paired again in an open draw without repeat pairings - double winners (could be none to 4) advance to Last 16 - double losers are out - the rest (could be all 16 teams, unlikely) to the Last 16 Playoff Rd (lower ranked head-to-head).
Last 16 - 8 lower ranked host 8 top ranked. Last 8 and 4 - open draw.
Replying To omahant: "Teams based on Electoral Constituencies instead ?"
Would Tyroneed look forward to matches between any two of West Tyrone, Fermanagh South Tyrone and Mid Ulster?
Jersey colours would have to respect traditions. Cavan-Monaghan would be easy enough - Blue and white or vice versa. However, Carlow-Kilkenny would be a bit gaudy.
Replying To tommy58: "Would Tyroneed look forward to matches between any two of West Tyrone, Fermanagh South Tyrone and Mid Ulster?
Jersey colours would have to respect traditions. Cavan-Monaghan would be easy enough - Blue and white or vice versa. However, Carlow-Kilkenny would be a bit gaudy."
You don't have to have 'matches between' - these are just shirts against anyone - I believe there should be some re-think around making all teams as competitive as Leitrim (no offense) !
Replying To tommy58: "Would Tyroneed look forward to matches between any two of West Tyrone, Fermanagh South Tyrone and Mid Ulster?
Jersey colours would have to respect traditions. Cavan-Monaghan would be easy enough - Blue and white or vice versa. However, Carlow-Kilkenny would be a bit gaudy."
Haha...just reflecting now on that Carlow/KK shirt - sunglasses anyone ? Tyroneed might get excited with those pairings in time. I donno about the general colour retention - LOI Cork City wears green.