Paul Rouse: If we discard the provincial championships what's left?

What do people want to replace the provincial championships with? What will give games meaning? 

JUMP FOR JOY: Jack McEvoy of Offaly celebrates at the final whistle after his side's victory against Meath at Glenisk O'Connor Park in Tullamore. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

It is very easy to dismiss the provincial football championships. Indeed, the notion has taken – or is taking – hold that as the GAA shifts deeper into tiered All-Ireland football championships, that the provincial championships are being left to rot into history.

That is to say, between the League and All-Ireland Championship, something has to give and that something will be the provincial competitions. In this respect, they are to be the new Railway Cup – run down and then abandoned altogether.