Christy O'Connor: Novel pairings add spice to football's flawed new order

GAA talking points: There may be a lack of jeopardy and intrigue but there has never been more football played during the summer

NICE TO MEET YOU: Colm McSweeney of Limerick in action against Joe Prendergast of Wicklow during the Tailteann Cup Group 3 at Laois Hire O'Moore Park in Portlaoise. The counties had never before met in Championship. Pic: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Novel pairings at least adding to the dynamic of the new system 

June may have arrived, the season may still only be warming up, the excitement has still to fully ramp up, but there has still never been an All-Ireland football championship like this one. There couldn’t have been, especially with the huge volume of matches to be played (99), which is up 39 from last year.