Qualifiers under the microscope
As some teams enjoy the build-up and excitement of their respective provincial finals, others are already facing into a desolate summer on the sidelines having exited the Championship.
At this stage 25% of intercounty teams are already out of action. After only two games, some players had barely achieved a Championship sweat before their season was ended. As the qualifier system comes under the microscope, many are beginning to wonder whether it is gone past its sell-by date.
When lining up the arguments against the qualifier system you only have to look at Armagh’s early exit last weekend. Monaghan have had a healthy rivalry with our Orchard neighbours over the last decade. Their early exit at the hands of Roscommon certainly brought me no satisfaction. Unfortunately for Armagh their 2012 season will now be defined by one poor half of football in a half empty Hyde Park.
Up until that second half, Armagh had been having a relatively decent season. Minus the services of the Crossmaglen contingent, great wins in the league against Kerry and Down along with a hard-fought draw against Cork, tempered what was an unfortunate relegation. Their performance against Tyrone in a gripping Ulster SFC quarter-final, drew plaudits from many.
By all accounts they seemed to be cruising at half time in their opening qualifier match in Hyde Park. Jamie Clarke was positioning himself on the All Star shortlist with what was seemingly a flawless first half performance. Yet similarly to us against Down, in the second half the dreaded complacency set it like a cancer. After taking the foot of the pedal they couldn’t find the clutch when they needed to step back into gear, and before they knew it they were out of the Championship. In the immediate aftermath, Paddy O’Rourke, a most honourable Gael, had to suffer the ignominy of handing in his notice. Forget any All Star, Jamie Clarke has now been denied the opportunity to showcase his exceptional talent beyond June.
Considering Monaghan’s similar position last year, I can’t but feel a large degree of empathy towards them. Working with many Roscommon people I certainly don’t want to be seen as talking any credit away from what was a tremendous result for them. But that isn’t my point. Armagh and Paddy O’Rourke’s season shouldn’t be judged on one bad half of football. Players like Jamie Clarke should be given the opportunity to showcase his exceptional talent on a wider stage.
Armagh, like many others, deserve more than what is being offered at present. Two games is not enough.
Another indicator is telling us that the qualifiers are losing their appeal. This is the first summer that I have really noticed a significant number of intercounty players heading stateside after their provincial Championship exit. More prominent in the so-called weaker counties, for these players, the qualifiers aren’t worth hanging around for.
I am certainly not judging, as for many of these players, it is economic necessity that has driven them abroad. However after giving six months commitment, to turn your back on what is supposed to be the pinnacle of your season, speaks volumes about what the qualifiers really has to offer.
In the coming weeks I will take part in GPA-led discussion group that will look at potential changes in the intercounty competition structures.
It is only right that the GPA canvass the opinions of intercounty players as to whether there is an appetite for change, and if so, what is the best direction to take. I believe that a dramatic change to the Championship structure and the wider GAA calendar is badly needed.
However that is just my opinion, and it is probably influenced by too many empty summers. It could turn out that the competition structure we have at present is sufficient, and the appetite for change isn’t as strong as many think. However, the time has certainly come to debate the issues and decide on the best way forward.
