John Martin – Is the Ulster final worth the hassle?

Antrim beat Donegal last weekend, but the fame was seen as a hindrance rather than a help

John Martin suggests that unless the Ulster counties want to play the Ulster Hurling Championship it should be binned.

In his column in this week’s Gaelic Life, he said the priority for Ulster Counites are competitions like the Christy Ring and the Nicky Rackard, and if the Ulster Championship become a hindrance then it should be sidelined.

“There’s no questioning (Sylvester) McConnell’s logic that an Ulster senior final six days before the start of the championship proper is hardly the ideal preparation, and in a way it raises two fingers to both competitions. But the only realistic alternative is to bin the Ulster Championship for good.

“As I wrote last week, it’s not even on the radar for the Antirm players, and for Armagh, you can understand why a side that has been beaten in the last two Rackard Cup finals wants to start the cmapaign with all players rested and available.

“The focus of All Usster teams is on their respective All-Ireland Championships, whether that’s the Chirsty Ring, Nicky Rackard or Lory Meagher cups.

“There’s no point in being a slave to tradition – if it’s not serveing any purpose for players or supporters, it’s time to get rid of it.”