Replying To Scenicparish: "Why should they? The new system is designed to level the playing field for all teams in the AI series. Some teams are getting a handy run in their own province and when it comes to the next stage they are much fresher and have a hugh advantage."
I must admit you make sense. The talk now is to run the provinces before the league. Maybe it's time to scrap them altogether. It will be a loss though.
Replying To bloodandbandage: "Kerry v Cork this weekend in the Munster final and not a peep! For the first time in a long time, I'm looking forward to a Cork/Kerry match. I think this is a great opportunity for Cork, especially factoring in Kerry's injury list and the fact we finally got promoted this year. Confidence is high and I'm going to stick my neck out and predict a Cork win.
Interested to hear what others think."
I happen to agree with you BandB and its no Yerra! Cork are very strong in the areas we struggling at mo.
Many dont show interest because they dont tate Munster but they cant see Cork and Kerry have been nip and tuck the last few years.People also seem to forget Cork have beaten both Mayo and Donegal in the championship the last couple of years.
I think this final is very hard to call and wont be surprised at any result.The sad thing for Cork is even if they do win you will have people saying Kerry did nt care.Kerry always care about a Munster final and especially v Cork.We hate losing to Cork.
No teams have met more often in the championship since the qualifiers came in in 2001 and Kerry and Cork have drawn 8 times since.
We might see another draw Sunday and extra time might decide it. No disrespect to the other Munster counties but delighted to have a Munster final v Cork again.
Replying To CiarraiMick: "I happen to agree with you BandB and its no Yerra! Cork are very strong in the areas we struggling at mo.
Many dont show interest because they dont tate Munster but they cant see Cork and Kerry have been nip and tuck the last few years.People also seem to forget Cork have beaten both Mayo and Donegal in the championship the last couple of years.
I think this final is very hard to call and wont be surprised at any result.The sad thing for Cork is even if they do win you will have people saying Kerry did nt care.Kerry always care about a Munster final and especially v Cork.We hate losing to Cork.
No teams have met more often in the championship since the qualifiers came in in 2001 and Kerry and Cork have drawn 8 times since.
We might see another draw Sunday and extra time might decide it. No disrespect to the other Munster counties but delighted to have a Munster final v Cork again."
Aren't yous seeded to stay apart until munster final? That and the quality of opposition in munster, is the main reason we can't have an advantage to provincial winners. You already have a leg up, while others are still in the stable!
Replying To Pikeman96: "That's true. But even so, the provincial finals still remain basically meaningless in the All-Ireland scheme of things, if there's no actual added bonus for winning your provincial title.
There might be a change possible through seeding: Pot 1 - the four provincial champions Pot 2 - the four provincial runners-up Pot 3 - the four highest qualifiers through League positions Pot 4 - the four lowest qualifiers through League positions
First round would be Pot 1 v Pot 4, and Pot 2 v Pot 3.
You could still even do the draw before the provincial finals, and it could even add more spice to them, e.g.: Winner of Kerry/Cork v Kildare (and no disrespect to Kildare!) Loser of Kerry/Cork v Donegal"
I like your last point, 'based on pots'.
Alternatively, have 4 Prov Finals as half of the AIC Rd 1 ties. This way, Prov Champs go to Rd 2A, with RUs to Rd 2B - although this gives Kerry a handy route most years.
Replying To legendzxix: "Could do that or another option is provincial winners kept apart in Round 2A. That would keep provincial winners apart until semi finals, unless they lose along the way.
On your suggestion of merit though: 1. Donegal 2. Mayo 3. Meath 4. Louth 5. Derry 6. Tyrone 7. Cavan 8. Kildare
Munster winner v Tyrone Connacht winner v Kildare Munster runner-up v Meath Connacht runner-up v Donegal
Leinster winner v Cavan Ulster winner v Derry Leinster runner-up v Louth Ulster runner-up v Mayo"
Replying To winatallcost: "Fed up hearing that the provincial championships are being made little of and overshadowed by All Ireland draw. First of all, any of the teams knocked out of their provincial championships would love to swap places with the current finalists. The finalists also get home advantage in 1st round. Even more important the winner of each provincial championship gets a trophy, can celebrate a big day with supporters and have it saved in their history. Secondly, the All Ireland Series is a new competition as is the Tailteann Cup. People are saying that the first game has little meaning but this is also untrue. Winning the first match gives a huge advantage in that if you win the next match also, you will have a two week break before a q final. Losing the first match ensures a long hard road to final with only one more chance and only a weeks break before q final if you make it. I'd say lets see and give it a chance."
Essentially, its: Win 2 of 3 games (Rds 1, 2 or 3), go to AI QF KO; and Lose 2 of 3 games (Rds 1, 2 or 3), go out.
It's neat and fair - but who should play for Sam? Maybe League Top 8 host League Next 8, with no Prov Finalist guarantee - although at least 6 of 8 Finalists are expected to advance based on League.
People arguing over formats is pointless, you're never going to find a system that is purely balanced and fair. The provincial championships themselves aren't balanced, and as soon as they have any weight on seeding, fairness is out the window.
For example Cork got to a Munster final by beating Limerick and Tipperary, Galway got there beating Leitrim. There's obviously a lack of balance.
So the GAA are stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to find a format that suits everyone. I think we just let this one play out before making a final judgement.