Sir, - The alterations which the GAA made in the 1997 Hurling Championship is not universally welcomed by all units of the Association nor by the rank and file membership, either.
I believe the Association rushed in to these arrangements without proper analysis and consideration and has produced a scheme which has many drawbacks. The new plan will dilute the competitive element of the Leinster and Munster Provincial Championships, bring inequality to the all Ireland Championships and give extra competitions to the counties which do not want it and at the same time deny it to the counties which need competition - the weaker counties.
There was a scheme which would have avoided all these drawbacks and at the same timed created a sieve which would ensure the two best teams from Munster and Leinster got through. The GAA did not reach for this play and more is the pity.
What the GAA should have done, in my opinion, is have an open draw in hurling for all the teams qualified, with entry to the Provincial Championship by way of defeat in the All Ireland Championships. This would avoid double fixtures and guarantee extra games to the weaker counties, something the GAA is very anxious to provide. If such a scheme were adopted I believe consideration should be given to seeding four teams for the first round. This would help to guarantee a fitting climax, give extra games to the weaker counties and "allow the teams likely to contest the closing stages of the all Ireland to start their club championships.
I also believe defeated finalists in Munster and Leinster should carry a two points deficit into the All Ireland Championship especially if they are meeting an undefeated team.
I believe this plan is superior to the one intended and I would ask the GAA to think again. - Yours etc.,
Russell Avenue,
Dublin 3