O’Sullivan calls for inter-pro rethink

KERRY GAA secretary Eamon O’Sullivan has come up with a novel way to rescue the ailing inter-provincials — play them as curtain raisers to the All-Ireland finals in September.

“I have long held the view that the inter-county minor competition is too drawn out,” O’Sullivan believes. “It runs from April to September. Traditionally tied to the All-Ireland series, the time has now come to reexamine this time-scale. I think it could be achieved by not starting until after the Leaving Cert and finishing with the final on the day of the last All-Ireland senior semi-final in Croke Park. Midweek, knockout with extra-time, except for the provincial final and All-Ireland final. Many games are midweek anyway and it seems to work well for the U-21 inter-county in March/April.”

The Kerry secretary elaborates: “And what about All-Ireland final day? That’s where the inter-provincials should be played. Semi-finals on Saturday, final on Sunday. No extra ticket demands since all players are entitled to tickets anyway. It’s also an ideal stage for the best inter-county players who are not in the All-Ireland final. Just a thought.”