Sir, – It is evident that the primary reason for the dwindling attendance at GAA championship games is the lack of jeopardy in the current format. The structure of the competition, particularly during the group stages, fails to ignite the passion of the common supporter.
The intense, cut-throat nature of pure knockout football simply cannot be replicated under the existing system. This lack of urgency is not only evident in less prominent fixtures but can also be observed at the elite level. Even high-profile encounters like Dublin versus Mayo lack the edge when teams know they can afford to lose and still progress. When the consequences of defeat are minimised, a natural drop-off in performance is inevitable.
The presence of dead-rubber games – where nothing is on the line – dampens the championship’s momentum long before the knockout stages begin. By the time they roll around, many fans have already lost interest.
The excitement surrounding the Olympics underscores what the GAA championship is missing. Olympian athletes compete knowing that everything is on the line, driving performance levels to new heights and delivering maximum entertainment value for the fans.
Perhaps it is time for the GAA to consider reverting to the pre-2018 championship format. Sometimes, less really is more. – Yours, etc,
ANTHONY O’SHEA,
Donegal.