“At least don’t start the Championship for two weeks.”
Cavan manager Mickey Graham wants league finals binned despite the fact that his team have the opportunity to play in one next week.
The league final is an opportunity to win a trophy, play in Croke Park, and get some invaluable experience, especially for teams who don’t get as many chances to play on the grand stage.
However, the shortened season means that scheduling has been an extra strain on teams, and the some sides have to play their championship openers just one week after the finals.
“Look, I just think the top team should win the division and that should be it,’ said Graham, speaking at the launch of the Ulster championship in Armagh last night.
GAA Central Council voted down a proposal to get rid of the League finals last September, but Graham, citing the issues facing Mayo, who failed in a bid to have the League final brought forward by a day, as evidence that spring finals are no longer fit for purpose.
“You ask Mayo this weekend, and they’re out the following weekend, would they rather have it done and dusted at this stage. If we were out the following week, would I like to be playing in a League final? No.
“I just think if you are going to play League finals, give teams at least two weeks in between them. Give them that; it is a national title and if Mayo win it they cannot celebrate it because they are out the following week.
“It would be nice to go to Croke Park, win a bit of silverware, have a bit of a celebration with the players, let off steam but they don’t even get that opportunity.
“If they continue to do League finals, at least don’t start the Championship for two weeks,’ said Graham.
Cavan are set to face the winner of Antrim and Armagh in the Ulster championship on April 22.
Related links:
- Darran O’Sullivan goes full Uncle Sam with Jim McGuinness rallying cry
- Darran O’Sullivan thinks Stephen Cluxton’s Dublin return will be ‘sideshow’
- Donegal GAA want Karl Lacey to return after committee crisis meeting
