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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.
maroondiesel (Mayo) - Posts: 1275 - 07/05/2026 10:24:17
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I won a game of snooker last week........ I didn't get any advantage in the All Ireland race but I really enjoyed winning it!
just saying:-)
Mayonman (Galway) - Posts: 1949 - 07/05/2026 10:51:37
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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.
CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4144 - 07/05/2026 10:54:48
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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!
Expertinall (UK) - Posts: 63 - 07/05/2026 14:38:07
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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.
omahant (USA) - Posts: 3413 - 07/05/2026 15:19:27
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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" What's not to like with my AILC?
omahant (USA) - Posts: 3413 - 07/05/2026 15:35:00
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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.
omahant (USA) - Posts: 3413 - 07/05/2026 15:57:52
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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.
Cabbagepatch1667 (Meath) - Posts: 140 - 07/05/2026 16:20:21
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Kerry v Cork in the Munster final. It was a cracking semi final last year. Concerning injuries for Kerry.
Roscommon have had an impressive year so far. It'll be interesting to see how the other final goes on Sunday.
legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9712 - 07/05/2026 17:22:26
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Replying To Expertinall: "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!" Yous? I presume you mean you (plural) and yes Cork and Kerry were kept seperate this year which is wrong IMO and money driven.
A Cork/Kerry clash in an earlier round can only charge 20 euro but can charge 35 euro or more for a final and bring a bigger crowd than any other Munster pairing.
As for getting a leg up,this year the only bonus is a home first round game but I think you ll agtee that its the toughest draw of all.The top two ranked teams facing each other in the first rou d.
Now Im not saying Munster is tough but you r own Dublin have had it just as easy in Leinster and have won every title bar one since 2011.
Ilster is the top province followed by Connaught but Leinster has been a cakewalk for years and Im fairly certain Dublin will win again this year wheras Cork have had some great battles with Kerry.
CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4144 - 07/05/2026 17:40:28
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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667: "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." Well said Cabbagepatch.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8550 - 07/05/2026 17:43:19
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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667: "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." Nail on the head. You can't reward an Ulster winner differently to Cork/Kerry and that is the kernel of the issue.
If a link to provincials persists then this is intractable problem. The current system is the first step in breaking that link.
Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1330 - 07/05/2026 18:37:35
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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667: "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." Don't think it needs to be played out for judgement. It's fairly obvious only the provincial winners should be seeded with home advantage for the 1st round draw in the All-Ireland series.
Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3953 - 07/05/2026 18:38:31
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The fact the draw is done beforehand is fine.
Means teams can just concentrate on the final and know a win or loss doesn't affect the next round eg like before when Galway played Mayo and the winner was going to get a harder route.
Second thing is it gives fans more time to plan trips. If we waited until Ulster final or the Monday after, you'd have potentially six days to learn and plan where you are playing.
Donegal fans have weeks to plan and build up to Killarney and can actually enjoy Munster final as a keen observer.
Teams that make finals and get home advantage and a trophy to win.
This is a decent system. Give it a chance
shaggykev (Donegal) - Posts: 432 - 07/05/2026 19:02:34
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Replying To Cabbagepatch1667: "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." Yeah, it would hardly call for wild preparation getting by those teams. Theirin lies the unfair allocation of home advantage to all provincial finalists.
Expertinall (UK) - Posts: 63 - 07/05/2026 20:50:59
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Replying To CiarraiMick: "Yous? I presume you mean you (plural) and yes Cork and Kerry were kept seperate this year which is wrong IMO and money driven.
A Cork/Kerry clash in an earlier round can only charge 20 euro but can charge 35 euro or more for a final and bring a bigger crowd than any other Munster pairing.
As for getting a leg up,this year the only bonus is a home first round game but I think you ll agtee that its the toughest draw of all.The top two ranked teams facing each other in the first rou d.
Now Im not saying Munster is tough but you r own Dublin have had it just as easy in Leinster and have won every title bar one since 2011.
Ilster is the top province followed by Connaught but Leinster has been a cakewalk for years and Im fairly certain Dublin will win again this year wheras Cork have had some great battles with Kerry." I have nothing to do with Dublin?? So you fix a championship so that you can charge more and have a bigger crowd, then pick up the home advantage every year,no wonder you don't like this being highlighted. Why not alternate the trophy and move straight to the home game?
Expertinall (UK) - Posts: 63 - 07/05/2026 22:51:56
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Replying To Gaa_lover: "Don't think it needs to be played out for judgement. It's fairly obvious only the provincial winners should be seeded with home advantage for the 1st round draw in the All-Ireland series." Its a game of football. Get on with it . Most of the people making these stupid comments wouldn't have a clue who their team was
mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1977 - 08/05/2026 07:12:32
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Replying To CiarraiMick: "Yous? I presume you mean you (plural) and yes Cork and Kerry were kept seperate this year which is wrong IMO and money driven.
A Cork/Kerry clash in an earlier round can only charge 20 euro but can charge 35 euro or more for a final and bring a bigger crowd than any other Munster pairing.
As for getting a leg up,this year the only bonus is a home first round game but I think you ll agtee that its the toughest draw of all.The top two ranked teams facing each other in the first rou d.
Now Im not saying Munster is tough but you r own Dublin have had it just as easy in Leinster and have won every title bar one since 2011.
Ilster is the top province followed by Connaught but Leinster has been a cakewalk for years and Im fairly certain Dublin will win again this year wheras Cork have had some great battles with Kerry." 100% CM. A Munster final in Killarney between Cork and Kerry is a very special occasion. Unfortunately, I won't make it as I've a communion, but can't wait for it all the same. Without a doubt Kerry will want to quench this Cork confidence, and show them who's boss. All set up to be a cracker.
Good piece in the Examiner today from Maurice Fitz..
bloodandbandage (Cork) - Posts: 526 - 08/05/2026 08:57:24
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Replying To bloodandbandage: "100% CM. A Munster final in Killarney between Cork and Kerry is a very special occasion. Unfortunately, I won't make it as I've a communion, but can't wait for it all the same. Without a doubt Kerry will want to quench this Cork confidence, and show them who's boss. All set up to be a cracker.
Good piece in the Examiner today from Maurice Fitz.." I saw it B and B.A good read.Enjoy the communion and luckily I am able to travel to Killarney for the game and really looking forward to it.Love Cork/Kerry in a sunny Killarney.
CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4144 - 08/05/2026 10:25:56
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Replying To shaggykev: "The fact the draw is done beforehand is fine.
Means teams can just concentrate on the final and know a win or loss doesn't affect the next round eg like before when Galway played Mayo and the winner was going to get a harder route.
Second thing is it gives fans more time to plan trips. If we waited until Ulster final or the Monday after, you'd have potentially six days to learn and plan where you are playing.
Donegal fans have weeks to plan and build up to Killarney and can actually enjoy Munster final as a keen observer.
Teams that make finals and get home advantage and a trophy to win.
This is a decent system. Give it a chance" well said Donegal, Meath adn Kildare fans have to have time to book hotesl and accomadation for those matches in summer toursits season, especially Donegal and Meath for who will bring thousands of fans to Killarney and Cork to these games both cities big tourist reggions.
dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 934 - 08/05/2026 10:41:48
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