Will we miss the way things are in the GAA?

This season we bid adieu to one senior All-Ireland championship structure with the likelihood of another also falling by the wayside. Then there’s the prospect of the minor and U21 hurling competitions being altered in time for next year. But what are and aren’t we going to miss about the current way we do things in inter-county hurling and football? asks John Fogarty

That invincibility factor

Up to this year at least, the All-Ireland champions in football could lose a maximum of once. With the introduction of the Super 8 from next year, they can conceivably lose on three occasions – once in a province and twice in the Super 8. The argument is the Super 8 will ensure the cream rises to the top but the champions won’t be as pure if they have been beaten more often. At the same time, if a team goes all the way without suffering a defeat they’ll be seen in a greater light. As hurling looks to incorporate a home and away arrangement at the provincial stages, it too will surrender a large knock-out aspect.