GAA fixtures released: ‘You have to be grateful for what you get in these times’

'I would have loved for there to be a second chance, especially if you draw a big gun first day out,' said Carlow manager Niall Carew

Former Sligo manager Niall Carew is now in charge of Carlow: 'There are plenty of people who haven’t got to wakes or funerals, so for us to give out about not getting a second bite of the cherry would be very, very selfish,' he said. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Football managers from Division 3 and 4 counties are disappointed there will be no backdoor in this year’s All-Ireland championship, but fully understand the basis for the Croke Park decision to again opt for a straight knockout format.

Of the seven counties who will compete in Division 4 of this season’s Allianz Football League, not one scored a championship victory in 2020.