Back in 2000 the widespread expansion of the inter-county championships began with the decision of that October’s special congress to introduce the qualifiers to the football championship. This was extended to the hurling championship a year later. The 1996 All-Ireland football final replay betwee Meath and Mayo - the GAA’s revenues have increased roughly four times in the 24 years since. It is more and more frequently heard that the championship could temporarily consider the restoration of knockout schedules. It is 24 years since the football and hurling championships eliminated teams as they went with no second chances.

Source: The Irish Times March 18, 2020 06:56 UTC