Paul Rouse: A match in a country town is the carnival bedrock of the GAA

A lot of what is unique about the GAA is the atmosphere in country towns on the days of big matches.

GOOD FOR BUSINESS: A Donegal supporter joins the queue for a local coffee shop before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 2 match between Donegal and Derry at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey, Donegal. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

This has not been a good football championship so far; there is little point arguing otherwise. The lack of quality, high-intensity matches in undeniable.

But there is something about the new format of the All-Ireland football championships that is brilliant. It is the playing of home and away matches when the weather is good. The fixing of games for neutral venues around the country is similarly a cause for celebration.