The GAA should turn back the clock and consider playing two rounds of the league before Christmas, according to recently retired Tipp great Eoin Kelly.
Up until 1997 (hurling) and 2002 (football), the leagues commenced before Christmas and the Premier County's top scorer is advocating a return to that schedule.
"I'd like to see two league games before Christmas, to help free up weekends after Christmas," he revealed to The Examiner.
"When I began my career, you started off training in January, played maybe into late July, early August with the county, then went back to your club and then downed tools when your club got beaten.
"So you probably put on the half-stone, maybe even a stone; enjoyed yourself at this, at that, ate this, drank that.
"That's all changed now. Hurling is now around the clock. Lads are in shape all-year round. That's a massive change. So lads would be able to hurl in November.
"I think if you got in those couple of games before Christmas, those two extra weekends in February, March would free things up for competitions like the Fitzgibbon Cup or for club fixtures."
Kelly's proposal is at odds with recently unveiled plans by the GAA aimed at running off all competitions in the one calendar year and ensuring a designated off-season for inter-county players.
"Sure (county) teams are playing (at that time of year) now anyway," he argued. "They're playing challenge games in November, December anyway.
"And what's also moved on is that facilities and county grounds around the country are 10 times better than they were, so you can play these games in the winter conditions. You can play a game in Semple Stadium at any time of the year.
"A game in the middle of November there would be the same as playing there in April, it's so good. And most counties have a pitch that can say the same."
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