Kieran Shannon: Could provinces once again fill the St Patrick's Day void?

Is the GAA and its calendar any better for no marquee games on the most celebrated national holiday of all?

FINAL FLING: Niall Deasy of Ballyea in action against Oisín Gough of Cuala during the AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final match between Ballyea and Cuala at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

For decades it had a resonance and magic to it. It was more than a date; it was a dream and one that would sustain even the hardiest of GAA folk through harsh winters and testing years.

St Patrick’s Day. Some year we’ll be there in Croker for it. Might be ten years from now, might be – will be – next year. To see gods like Ring and O’Connell in the flesh and in colour. Or, after the last of the black and white televisions, to witness the local club on the biggest stage of all.