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[As for inflation, I doubt if prices are any higher than ever they were and most people have no problem paying for them if they are interested, look at the crowds in the Munster hurling or the quarter of a million people who paid out €150 a go for Bruce Springsteen.]

The fall in attendances are actually incredible in the past 5-10 years, there are too many matches with nothing on the line at high prices in an inflation/cost of living crisis.

So many big staidums now and they forgot to keep the supporters onside

What is needed is competition. Someone noted that Celtic park in Derry had been hardly used for years and this year it has had 3 full house games. The Leinster championship is not getting the crowds of 30 years ago because there is zero chance of a Dublin-Meath game going to extra time. As for inflation, I doubt if prices are any higher than ever they were and most people have no problem paying for them if they are interested, look at the crowds in the Munster hurling or the quarter of a million people who paid out €150 a go for Bruce Springsteen.

Perhaps the price isnt too bad but it's the condensed format that goes along with the price. Big costs for families every week or fortnight is not sustainable for many.

As much as I love the Ulster championship, it is now clear that the provincials have to go.

Mechanisms such as the €50 ticket for the 3 group games are a response to the cost.

As for the provincial championships, when they are abolished people will then be posting that it used to be possible for families to go to Omagh or Clones but the cost of having to go to games in Kerry or Galway is prohibitive.

Thats a very good point that doesn't get mentioned often.

Pundits go on about only 4 being eliminated but a week later another 4 go, and the week after that another 4. It will spring into
life shortly. The jeopardy is on the horizon.

Yeah I actually quite like this current competition format but all the negativity is beginning to wane my enthusiasm for it.

Everybody was giving out about the 10k in Croke Park because it fitted their agenda.

But never mention the full houses in Ballybofey and Iniskeen.

Majority rules at the end of the day though and the majority don't seem to be in favor if this format.

Clearly that game shouldn't have been in Croke Park. Theres probably more positives than negatives, but still issues to be addressed with this format. I'd prefer straight knock out tbh.

A lot of negativity around the current championship format among the media in recent weeks.

I'm wondering would a open draw championship with a back door work?

Round 1 - Open Draw

Round 2 - 8 losers play each other in round two (losers round) and 8 winners play each other in round 2 (winners round).

Round 3 - The 4 winners from the winners round progress to the quarter finals whilst the 4 losers from the winners round play the 4 winners from the losers round. (Slightly confusing but bare with me)

Round 4 - Quarter Finals

See below how it might play out

Round 1
Derry 1-16 v 0-08 Westmeath
Armagh 2-09 v 0-11 Clare
Dublin 3-17 v 1-12 Cavan
Kerry 0-19 v 0-11 Monaghan
Mayo 0-18 v 0-07 Roscommon
Galway 2-19 v 0-04 Meath
Tyrone 0-13 v 0-10 Louth
Donegal 0-17 v 0-09 Cork

** 8 Winners play off and 8 losers play off

Round 2 - Losers round
Cavan 1-16 v 0-08 Westmeath
Monaghan 2-09 v 0-11 Clare
Roscommon 3-17 v 1-12 Meath
Cork 0-19 v 0-11 Louth

** Cavan Monaghan Roscommon and Cork progress to play the losers of the winners round

Round 2 - Winners round
Kerry 1-16 v 0-08 Dublin
Galway 2-09 v 0-11 Mayo
Donegal 3-17 v 1-12 Tyrone
Derry 0-19 v 0-11 Armagh

** Kerry Galway Donegal and Derry progress onto quarter finals.
** Dublin Mayo Tyrone and Armagh play off with Cavan Monaghan Roscommon and Cork in round of 12.

Round 3
Dublin 1-16 v 0-08 Cavan
Cork 2-09 v 0-11 Tyrone
Armagh 3-17 v 1-12 Roscommon
Mayo 0-19 v 0-11 Monaghan

** Dublin Cork Armagh and Mayo progress to quarter finals

Round 4 Quarter Finals
Kerry 3-17 v 1-12 Armagh
Mayo 0-19 v 0-11 Derry
Dublin 0-14 v 0-11 Galway
Donegal 0-17 v 0-11 Cork

Round 5 Semi Finals
Mayo 3-17 v 1-12 Kerry
Donegal 0-17 v 0-11 Dublin

Round 6 Final
Donegal 0-18 v 0-17 Mayo (AET)

I think it this is a decent system where everyone has a second chance but no dead rubbers or meaningless games and every game means something.

Not bad at all,  reduction in games be an issue though for the GAA. Would have to increase prices further to compensate.

If all those games were meaningful/competitive you'd end up with far better total attendances imo.

See he's started on Roy Keane now. Always has to be controversial does Joe.

Well, there's no point in  Brolly attacking  Mickey Joe down  the road who coaches the u-12's. That won't  cause any controversy and get people  talking about  him.

Brolly knows  what he's doing.  He's like  a  spoilt child constantly seeking attention.  He's actually  become  a bit pathetic to be honest.

He's getting worse. You'd question why. It's not like he needs the publicity or anything to make a living, he's just losing peoples respect at this stage.

https://www.sportsjoe.ie/gaa/captain-speeches-and-interviews-no-longer-permitted-for-minor-players-329140?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0KjeX3OoUw3NeHLwigrWOZQe2-4hXsgWCXwRmnzfrJkSClW4VkFmJwYaw_aem_AZJ1KJ91jvFfg_WpYmLrjOqSszb2tm7J_CXHWNlxkOAno5TJ4RT_s7jAmE5nN45rW_cJG9al92MiCImnTUUflXJA

Not sure whether to put here or in the wtf thread.

See he's started on Roy Keane now. Always has to be controversial does Joe.

Decent pubs in Derry for before and after?

Would Derry be busy the Sunday night, looking at staying over either the Saturday or Sunday night.

Stout drinker? If so, YouTube Guinness Guru Derry and visit the 6 bars, all seriously good stout!

Mary Bs, The Celtic and Maileys would be the closest. 10 min dander and you're at the Park Bar & Derby Bar. Quick 1 or 2 in each. Another wee dander you can hit the likes of the Rocking Chair, Gweedore and Peadars on Waterloo St... You won't go thirsty!

Been a few years since I've been to Celtic Park.  What's the parking situation like in the area?

Parking is a disaster at the best of times, worse at the minute with roadworks on the Foyle road that have been going on for months at this stage so best avoid coming into the town via the lower deck

Be as well parking at the carpark opp the City Baths on William St and walk? 20 mins on foot give or take

Cheers, appreciate that!

Decent pubs in Derry for before and after?

Would Derry be busy the Sunday night, looking at staying over either the Saturday or Sunday night.

Why is it then that minor games don't be played before Senior games now?

I heard the saying that it's not fair on the young lads to play in front of big crowds, but any 'proper' reasons?

As wild weasel said, there are a shitload of games on. Getting to watch them on tv is hard enough, never mind getting to go to them.

I suppose everyones different but for a lot of those young lads it's the biggest game they'll ever play in and might never play in front of a full stadium again. Play it before a senior game surely!

Either way will Harte spend more than 2 years at Derry? Is O'Rourke still over Glen at the minute?

If I were Meath County board I'd be going all out for Malachy O'Rourke.

He could transform that team if given time.

He'll be over Derry next year I'd say.

Just thinking there, the only knockout game we've had since 2019 against non Ulster opposition was Galway in 2022 and even in the group games the only no Ulster opposition has been Galway and Westmeath x2.

The next free he gave Donegal was dreadful decision...

The Langan one? Brutal. McCurry after getting a very soft one as well.

Very little between these two again, a point apiece is possible.

Some catch by Morgan but what was he supposed to do when he fell awkwardly? Very soft free in.

Some fetch but he then lifted the ball clean off the ground not sure what McQuillan was to do

Can't believe this isn't on tv anywhere. 

Not as big a game as Tyrone Donegal. It'll always be shown ahead of Armagh Westmeath.

For GAAgo the Internet can have many streams.

But the rights only allow so many games, regardless of bandwidth.

GaaGo should be allowed show it if rte aren't, if they don't want it then likes of armagh tv should be showing these games.