The problem isn't really GaaGo V RTE, it's the impact the revised championship structure and split season is having. I was supportive of the split season, but I think it's become clear that the tempo and flow of games just isn't right, and that leaving the bulk of the summer with so few games is a sacrifice too far. We need a rethink on the whole thing that also gives certainty on when club championships will be played.
Firstly, wether the hardcore like it or not, we simply have to accept that the peak of other domestic sports comes in April and May and it's doing massive harm to the GAA for major season ending intercounty championships matches to be taking place in that time.
Secondly, the structure of the football competitions is just far too bloated. The core All Ireland group stage and knock out is bang on, but a 7 game league with full provincial championships completely squeezes things. To fix that, get the rid the leagues, and turn the provincial championships into a league base system.
Similarly in hurling, the actual structure is brilliant, the problem is the time of year the majority of matches are condensed into.
Where we need to end up is that championship starts about May, and where no team is out of contention until mid to late June at the earliest. Hurling and Football need to be split across alternative weekends with a conscious effort to speed the matches. All Ireland Finals to the end of August, or potentially early September again, with dedicated windows for club championship in spring and autumn. This would have to be backed up by a similar club championship structure across the country, and strict criteria on availability of players for their clubs.
If you had a competition structure like that, then there's breathing space for the big games in both codes throughout the summer, and it's easier to ensure most big games get proper slots on terrestrial TV. It will make sure hurling in particular gets the platform it needs to grow.
