All-Ireland football group stage draw proves format is a failure – it's unnecessary distraction for provincial finalists
THE only good thing about the draw for the All-Ireland SFC group stages being made this week was it served as a reminder that this is the final edition of this failure of a format.
While there are logistical reasons for having the Championship mapped out this far in advance, the draw is an unnecessary distraction for the provincial finalists.
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Graham Geraghty slammed the current All-Ireland SFC format
Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
A revamped system will be in place in 2026, yet the method of separating the Sam Maguire counties from their Tailteann Cup counterparts is to remain the same.
And the flaws of linking it to the provincial competitions have been exposed again this year.
This should not be interpreted as any form of criticism of Clare, for they merely capitalised on the opportunity presented to them like any other team would be happy to do.
But the fact that a win against Tipperary, a Division 4 outfit, was all the Banner needed to secure their place in the All-Ireland series is a joke.
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Antrim got the better of Clare when the teams met in Division 3 of the National League earlier this season.
But for Andy McEntee's side to compete in the Sam Maguire, victories over Tyrone and All-Ireland champions Armagh would have been required, as well as beating Cavan.
To reach the same destination, Antrim were tasked with surviving shark-infested waters but Clare barely got their feet wet crossing a stream.
As long as they persist with a two-tier Championship, the GAA have to find a way of levelling the playing field for teams with ambitions of being in with the big boys
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