Last days of the precious duals

WITH the National Leagues firmly established in their new slot early in the same calendar year, every League game has become crucial.

In the days when the League was split into pre-Christmas and post-New Year, players who felt overworked could take a break early on, return refreshed in the New Year. That's gone, fewer players willing to risk losing their place to a hungry newcomer.

Additionally, the new qualifier system means even if your team is beaten in the provincial championship, they are not out of the championship, offered a back-door route to All-Ireland glory.