Replying To legendzxix: "The national football league linked to championship seems a bit extreme. Tyrone were without the Errigal Ciaran contingent in 2025 and were relegated. Hurling arguably is right to have the league for incremental development improvement and then you are into championship. The majority seem in favour of the league linked to football championship, so that's likely to be the way for the foreseeable future. I think during the qualifier era - there was some suggestion of the double eliminator after provincial finals. It probably would have been messy going from qualifying rounds to double eliminator at the time. In a roundabout way - the GAA have gotten to the double eliminator eventually. The current hurling championship format had previously been suggested as well. In fear of being outshone by the the football Super 8s, the hurling format gathering dust on the shelf was dusted down and voted in. Hurling counties weren't in favour but football counties got it voted in. Football counties saved the hurling championship!"
And the likes of Ulster football counties were the catalyst.