By Michael McMullan

THERE have been fewer goals in this season’s provincial championships but over twice as many in the opening round of the All-Ireland SFC group stages since last season.

There has been the expected overall rise in scoring with the inception of the new rules.

The biggest difference has been in Ulster where last year’s tally of 17 dropped to 10, albeit three games in 2024 went to extra-time with this season’s final the only game with the result needing more than the 70 minutes to find a winner.

As expected, with the introduction of the new rule for the two-point score, the point tallies have been higher.

Kerry and Louth have scored the most goals. Kerry bagged 10 of their overall tally of 27 goals for the season coming in their two Munster games and recent victory over Monaghan.

David Clifford and Paul Geaney have each scored six goals for the Kingdom this season, with Clifford rested for the first two league games.

Leinster champions Louth scored six championship goals in their four games on the way to ending a 68-year famine with another four coming against Monaghan last weekend.

Sam Mulroy with 4-68 has been the main score for the Wee County across their memorable season to date.

The top scorer in Ulster so far is Down’s Pat Havern with 0-81 (30f, 10 tp, 8 tpf) to his name.

2024 championships
2650 minutes, including three games going to extra time.

Ulster: 17-226
Munster: 11-131
Leinster: 14-178
Connacht:  11-164
All-Ireland Qualifier Round 1: 11-229

2024 Total: 64-928

2025 Provincial championships
2650 minutes, including three games going to extra time.

Ulster: 10-357
Munster: 13-198
Leinster: 11-225
Connacht:  12-231
All-Ireland Qualifier Round 1: 24-272

2025 Total: 70-1283