Jack Anderson: We cannot allow tradition to get in the way of improvement

This year should be a warning for hurling.

RED ALERT? A pyrotechnic flare before the All-Ireland SHC quarter-final between Cork and Offaly. Pic: Paul Phelan/Sportsfile

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026 - 06:57

Jack Anderson is a professor of sports law and global expert in governance, and regulation. He advises sporting bodies and contributes widely to public debate – as well as being a Limerick hurling supporter.

Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, otherwise known as Lenin, once said that during a revolution millions learn more in a week than they do in a year of ordinary, somnolent life. It’s not known what Lenin’s views were on the GAA but there is no doubt that the championship year in Gaelic football has been anything but ordinary. It’s been magnificent with the promise of more.

Semi-finals featuring Kerry v Dublin, 50 years after one of the great All-Ireland final battles. Louth v Mayo in only their third championship meeting. They first met in an All-Ireland semi in 1950 when Mayo were on their way to the first of a two in a row. Famously, Mayo has none since. Louth are one and done since 1957.