National Forum

How Do We Take Hurling On From Here

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Replying To legendzxix:  "That would be a Munster matter. They could either match Leinster with top 2 only or else facilitate 2nd v 3rd if that is their preference. Provinces should have some leeway to get the more competitive structure that suits them.
The Joe Mac is adopting a 2nd v 3rd semi final from next year. Ring and lower will still have top 2, except for the facilitation of New York."
It would be more than a Munster matter. The format of the All-Ireland Championships (including what happens the second- and third-placed team in each provincial championship) is set out in Part 1 of the Rule Book. That could only be changed at Congress, by delegates from the entire Association, rather than by Munster themselves. Similar to how the change in the Joe McDonagh Cup that you mention had to be approved at Congress.

In any case, question remains - if it was the case the runner-up in the supposedly weaker province was guaranteed and All-Ireland semi-final spot, but the runner-up in the supposedly stronger province wasn't, how do you think that would go down?

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 3427 - 25/03/2026 14:56:36    2663114

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It's grand as it is! Best structure they've had since end of straight knockout. That's my take on it.

You won't bring 'weaker' counties up by lowering the standard of what is the elite level. No one gains from that.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4108 - 25/03/2026 15:33:54    2663132

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Get refs to pull overcarrying absolutely assiduously, and get them to do their best to eradicate 'throwball'. Those two applications would 'take hurling on' no end from it's current state.

Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 4623 - 25/03/2026 15:40:04    2663133

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Replying To Pikeman96:  "It would be more than a Munster matter. The format of the All-Ireland Championships (including what happens the second- and third-placed team in each provincial championship) is set out in Part 1 of the Rule Book. That could only be changed at Congress, by delegates from the entire Association, rather than by Munster themselves. Similar to how the change in the Joe McDonagh Cup that you mention had to be approved at Congress.

In any case, question remains - if it was the case the runner-up in the supposedly weaker province was guaranteed and All-Ireland semi-final spot, but the runner-up in the supposedly stronger province wasn't, how do you think that would go down?"
A question to be directed at the Munster Council if they were adamant on retaining 2nd v 3rd. Top 2 only will suit Leinster if they are brave enough to push for that game changer to really light up their championship. Sin é.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9576 - 25/03/2026 16:01:48    2663138

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "A lad i know from Wexford always refers to it as the Bob O Keeffe. He says it stopped being the Leinster Championship when Galway were let in. Im not sure if Antrim came in at same time or not but he only ever referenced Galway. Hes still very against it Iwhile think it was a good move for the championship he has a point when he says its not the leinster championship anymore. Then you added the 6th team and it became a lesser competition in my view so I call it the Bob O Keeffe now too."
For the record, I think Galway played in Munster for a few years in the 1960s so using similar lines of logic, the Munster Championship wasn't really the Munster Championship back then

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1007 - 25/03/2026 16:36:24    2663147

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Replying To bloodandbandage:  "BTW - Absolute madness having Dublin/Clare on in the same venue with Cork/Lim for league final. Surely, Thurles would have made more sense. I appreciate these decisions are probably made well in advance of the final, but how about the application of some common sense for a change? Obviously, Clare are very happy."
Are you saying you expected better? The Munster counties call all the shots. They were never going to drag anybody but Dublin the whole width of the country.
Whatever chance they had to get Dublin supporters (albeit a small but committed bunch) or Dublin clubs to throw on buses for youngsters for a match in Portlaoise, there is not a hope in hell of them bringing busloads to Limerick.
GAA don't care about promoting the game outside of the traditional counties.
It was ever this way though, nothing has or will ever change until the Leinster counties start to grow a bit of backbone.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1574 - 25/03/2026 16:41:58    2663150

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