(Oldest Posts First)
I was very impressed with Cavan today. gormdubhgorm (Dublin) - Posts: 990 - 05/02/2017 20:36:18 1952361 Link 0 |
Would also mean the odd trip up there for us Dubs, Though I think next time ill walk back and collect the car the following day, would probably be quicker. What horrible traffic afterwards, Didn't leave Cavan til 4.45, didn't ge home til close to 9 oclock. That said, What an absolutely unbelievable turn out from Dublin and Cavan fans. A credit to each other, Love this game, love the colour and banter between two sets of rival fans, Lovely to see. Arrived in Cavan with no love, like or any hate/ dislike either way for Cavan and left with them firmly being my second team from now on, that says it all. As a Dub though, I now cant wait for Donegal in 3 weeks time, Away days are the best days. waynoI (Dublin) - Posts: 13654 - 07/02/2017 10:43:42 1953190 Link 2 |
In my opinion, it's the Provincial Championships that is holding a lot of counties back. Ulster is too competitive compared to the other provinces and the weaker counties in all provinces will get 2 championship games every year where they'll usually get well beaten. The current thoughts of tinkering at the edges will make no material difference other than making the stronger counties stronger and weaker counties weaker - the GAA, in my mind, is all about inclusiveness not just money as the hierarchy seem to believe. If a proper revamp of the Championship were to happen the Provincial Championships would have to be separated from the AI series or counties would have to be moved to other provinces (like hurling) to even out the number of counties. But my preference is for 8 groups of 4 based on National League standings with every group having one team from each division. The Div 4 team could then have 3 home games in the group stage, Div 3 team 2 home games, Div 2 team 1 home game with the Div 1 team playing all group games away. The National League would then become important again and be a really good competition. Top 2 teams would qualify for the last 16 while bottom 2 teams would drop into second tier competition. The 2nd tier competition would need to have a level of importance with QF through to final being played in Croker. Last 16 games at a neutral venue. This way all counties are guaranteed 4 championship matches every year with at least two being winnable. Group games could be run over last two weeks in May and all of June. The last 16 through to final of both competitions played through July and August freeing up the rest of the year for the clubs. Top teams in each group to play second-placed teams from another group. This year you could have a group of Roscommon, Down, Tipperary and Westmeath. All four teams would believe they have a realistic chance of qualifying in the top two. Most games would be competitive and would draw the crowds. But Cavan would not be able to draw the Dubs until the last 16. opa01 (Cavan) - Posts: 505 - 07/02/2017 11:34:32 1953217 Link 0 |
That is a common sense type of idea. I don't think the GAA do common sense though. The provincial councils want to maintain the status quo. It could be 20 years before something changes, unless there is a break away inter-county league between now and then. gormdubhgorm (Dublin) - Posts: 990 - 10/02/2017 17:34:21 1954475 Link 1 |