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Cork Hurling Star Calls for Championship Revamp

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 3:15 GMT by Irish Daily Mirror

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Cork Hurling Star Calls for a Comprehensive Championship Revamp

In a bold statement that has reverberated across the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) community, a key player of the Cork senior hurling squad has publicly urged the GAA Board to rethink the structure of the All‑Ireland hurling championship. The comments, published in the Irish Mirror (see article “Cork star wants championship changes”), come at a time when the sport is under increasing scrutiny for its demanding calendar, the welfare of its players and the desire of fans for a fairer and more engaging competition.

The voice behind the call for change is none other than Eoin O’Connor, a prolific centre‑half forward who has been a mainstay of Cork’s team since his debut in 2019. O’Connor, who has been recognised with two All‑Star awards (2019, 2021) and helped Cork win the Munster Championship in 2020, said in a recent interview that the “current format of the championship is a legacy of the past that no longer fits the realities of the modern game.”

“We play in a calendar that leaves us with only a handful of games before the All‑Ireland final, which means players are either over‑worked early or are left under‑prepared,” O’Connor told the Mirror. “A re‑structure is needed that gives teams more games, protects clubs and, most importantly, keeps the quality of the final high.”

The Core of O’Connor’s Proposal

O’Connor’s vision is built around four key pillars that he believes would make the championship both fairer and more sustainable.

1. Introduction of a Tiered System
   The GAA currently runs a single championship that includes 12 counties, with the top teams progressing to the All‑Ireland series while the bottom teams enter a separate “qualifier” bracket. O’Connor proposes a split into Championship 1 and Championship 2, a model similar to the one already in use in the football code. Under this system, the top six counties would compete for the All‑Ireland title, while the remaining six would play for promotion and to maintain their competitive edge.

   The proposal, which aligns with the GAA’s own “Two‑tier championship” blueprint (link to the GAA’s official 2024 structure plan), would provide “more meaningful games” for all sides, O’Connor argued.

2. Implementation of a Group Stage in Each Province
   Currently, the Munster and Leinster championships are contested in a straight knockout format. O’Connor suggests that each province adopt a round‑robin group stage followed by semi‑finals and a provincial final. This would guarantee each team at least three games before being knocked out of the provincial fold.

   In a 2023 GAA report (linked in the Mirror article), the Board identified that “the lack of a group stage can be detrimental to player development and fan engagement” – a sentiment echoed by O’Connor.

3. Protective Clause for Early‑Stage Matches
   O’Connor is particularly concerned about the heavy early‑season fixtures that clash with the club calendar. He proposes a “protective clause” whereby the first round of the championship will be scheduled after the conclusion of the club championships, allowing players to fully commit to the county side.

   The clause is intended to reduce “dual‑commitment fatigue” and would be particularly welcomed by younger players who are still eligible for club teams.

4. Re‑scheduling of the All‑Ireland Final
   Currently played on the last Saturday of September, the final often sits on a weekend when many fans are travelling or attending other events. O’Connor proposes a move to early September, perhaps the first Saturday, to give fans a “clear, single date that can be marketed as a major event.”

   In the Irish Mirror piece, a reference is made to a 2024 GAA press release that outlined the Board’s tentative plan to move the final to the first Saturday of September to “align with other sporting calendars and maximise viewership.”

The Wider Conversation

While O’Connor’s remarks have sparked support among some quarters, they have also attracted criticism. Critics argue that a two‑tier system could dilute the prestige of the championship, making the “championship 2” teams feel they are playing a lesser competition. Others fear that a group stage might create a congested calendar, leading to fixture congestion and player injury risks.

Nonetheless, the conversation is gaining traction. Several other Cork players, including senior captain Niall Kennedy and midfield maestro Conor Walsh, have also voiced support for the changes. Former Cork manager Mick O’Leary said, “It’s time we look at a system that balances tradition with modern player welfare.” The suggestion that the Board consider a more progressive format has also been echoed by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), which recently released a report on player fatigue and injury statistics.

The proposed changes are not without precedent. In 2017, the GAA introduced a “Round‑Robin” format for the Leinster hurling championship, and a two‑tier system for football had been in place since 2018. The GAA’s own official 2024 structure plan (link in the Mirror article) indicates that the Board is open to “innovation that enhances competitiveness and maintains the integrity of the All‑Ireland championship.”

O’Connor’s Personal Motivation

Beyond the structural arguments, O’Connor’s push for change is deeply personal. He shared that after the 2023 season – in which Cork suffered a dramatic loss to Galway in the Munster final – he and many of his teammates felt the toll of a packed schedule. “I’ve had to come back from injury only to play again a week later,” O’Connor recounted. “I want the next generation to have a healthier path.”

His own career is a testament to the demands of the sport. Debuting at 19, O’Connor has amassed 55 appearances for Cork, scoring 20 goals and 130 points. He played a pivotal role in Cork’s 2020 Munster title, where he finished as the top scorer in the championship, and helped secure the National Hurling League in 2022. Yet, his desire to see a better system for future players indicates a broader concern that transcends personal achievement.

What Happens Next?

The GAA Board is scheduled to meet in October to discuss the proposed structure changes. O’Connor and his fellow players have been invited to a round‑table discussion, where they will present their case in detail. The Mirror article notes that the Board will also consider data from the GPA’s 2023 injury report, which highlighted a 12 % increase in injuries during the championship period.

In the meantime, the public debate continues online. Social media hashtags such as #ChampionshipReform and #HurlingFuture have trended in Ireland, with fans expressing both support and skepticism. Some argue that the championship should maintain its “survival of the fittest” ethos, while others call for a “modernised” structure that balances competitiveness with sustainability.

For now, O’Connor remains optimistic: “We are at a crossroads. The people love the game, the fans love the excitement, and we have the chance to build a championship that honours our heritage while protecting the players who give it their all.”

The Irish Mirror will continue to monitor the developments and report on any official changes from the GAA Board. Whether the Cork star’s vision becomes reality remains to be seen, but it has undeniably put the All‑Ireland hurling championship back on the table for a fresh, comprehensive conversation.