The contrast with Derry, where the concentration from 1993 until now has changed very little. It showed signs of a shift in 2011 but is back effectively where it was.

Key
Red: 1993 All-Ireland
Yellow: 2011 Ulster final
Black: 2023 Ulster winning squad

Map of Donegal’s changing concentration

Key
Red: 1983 Ulster winning squad
Yellow: 1992 All-Ireland (starting XV)
Black: 2024 Ulster winning squad

A lot of senior clubs in any county would look terrible in against strong divisional teams in fairness. Was genuinely asking if the divisional sides still have the impact they did, there are people down your way who would say the system doesn’t hold the allure it used to.

I get that but when the by-product has a knock-on effect on the provincial and national competitions that spawn out of it, then it’s not just a Kerry problem. I think all county cships should be streamlined with 12-14 clubs at senior. Do the district teams still add much to the overall in Kerry?

It makes perfect sense. All we have to do now is convince the hurling fraternity. That’ll be nice and easy. The dashed halfway line will create problems for club refs especially, you’d want to be able to see at a glance without having worry about which line it is they’ve crossed

🏐 Line Umpires

- Linesmen (now apparently called line umpires) will have powers to help referees call a free in open play, which is huge

🏐 Pitch markings
- New 40m arc and dashed halfway line right across, with 65s remaining on pitches used for hurling

🏐 Clock and hooter
- Used where available, probably won’t be in operation at too many club games barring maybe latter stages of championship