Didn't see a separate thread for the finals, so here's one.
Didn't see the Meaghar final, so I can't comment. The Rackard final looked like turning into target final for Derry until the Armagh goal, its probably come too late to make a difference to the outcome though. (Another Derry goal as I type, done deal)
Its a hard game to form an opinion on, but that might be due to me watching it via the TG4 stream though. Poor video and audio quality, the video streaming option they've used is not one I would have picked for hurling.
Antrim appeared to score from a free around the 9th minute to bring Antrims score to 2 points. But Antrims score went back to 1 point on the TG4 scoreboard soon after (and on the scoreboard in Croke Park), and the current scoreline isn't counting that point. Was it wide/disallowed? Is it a mistake? Remember what happened last year...
Congratulations to Carlow! Fully deserved. Tough opponents at qualifier level for years and they were always likely to bounce back as they have.
Both Antrim and Meath should be in the qualifier group of 6 next year. The group winner should be promoted as the 6th team in one of the provincial groups. Only one of the two provincial groups should have 6 teams in any given year. In all following seasons the qualifier group winner should be promoted and the 6th placed team relegated.
The current qualifier group setting a fixed number of 14 at McCarthy level was supposed to enhance the Christy Ring Cup.
Antrim v Carlow is possibly the top final pairing you'd get at Ring level. I don't get the impression it gained too much media coverage nor a big attendance.
These lower tier finals should definitely continue in Croke Park. Lower tier players have communicated very well they don't mind a deserted Croke Park and that they prefer it than being a curtain raiser in some provincial ground.
The likes of Carlow and Antrim need to be catered for in the qualifier group. Meath and possibly 2 other counties should also be included at that qualifier tier 2 level. The GAA and all counties need to examine that closely without rushing through the next change in championship structure.