Jarlath Burns expects changes to be made to the All-Ireland SFC structure next year.

The GAA president has conceded that there is a lack of ‘jeopardy’ with the current format which saw three teams – Derry, Roscommon and Monaghan – make it through to the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals by winning just one game.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland after yesterday’s preliminary quarter-final draw, Burns revealed that a return to a second-chance system could be on the cards.

"We’re doing consultations at the moment with the provinces. Last week we were in Leinster and Munster, this week we’re in Ulster and Connacht. We will then discuss it at our next Ard Chomhairle (Central Council) meeting,” he explained.

"One of the themes coming through really is the lack of jeopardy. I share this view.

"The league is there as a development competition; it’s seven games and it allows teams to make incremental developments and improvements.

"Louth is a great example of that, even Derry going from Division 4 to Division 1, Westmeath. There are plenty of counties who have done that, Laois are another one.

"The championship should have jeopardy, it should be more of a blunt instrument. The clue is in the title of the competition, the championship is there to get champions.

"I would imagine next year there is going to be change," he added.

Tweet

Most Read Stories