Despite some scepticism when it was initially announced, it is fair to say that the Tailteann Cup was a success during its debut season.
The competition featured some fantastic games, with all of the counties involved taking it seriously despite some suggestions that this would not be the case. Those who witnessed the scenes after Westmeath's victory over Cavan in the final certainly got the impression that the teams involved thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
It is hoped that this will continue moving forward as the competition establishes itself as a fixture in the GAA calendar.
However, some are already calling for the Tailteann Cup to receive a major shakeup.
Pat Spillane calls for major Tailteann Cup changes
Pat Spillane is someone who is not afraid to go against the grain in terms of his opinions on the GAA.
For example, he has been a vocal critic of the split season despite the general consensus being that it has been a success since its implementation. It seems he hold a similar opinion in relation to the Tailteann Cup.
Writing in the Sunday World, the Kerry legend said that the competition should be limited to teams in Division 4.
There was a bit too much self-praise at GAA Congress for how well the split season and Tailteann Cup worked last year.
The split season works in theory, but even its biggest fans need to admit it needs tweaking. Elite players, in particular Sigerson Cup players, who are also playing for their counties, are being flogged towards early retirement.
Too many games are squeezed into too narrow a window, with virtually nothing of note happening in August and September.
Why not bite the bullet and start the League in December?
The fans have an appetite for games and counties are playing challenge matches anyway, and at the other end of the season play the All-Ireland finals on the last two Sundays of August.
Those changes would still leave a four-month window for the clubs in all but a handful of counties.
As for the Tailteann Cup, I remain to be convinced it is serving the needs of the weaker counties.
Louth, Cork, Clare and Kildare currently occupy second-last place in Division 3. It is quite possible that the Lilies or the Rebels will be in the Tailteann Cup in 2023.
The Tailteann Cup ought to be contested by the eight Division 4 teams, New York and the two teams relegated from Division 3. Then it will be serving its proper role.
This would be a sizeable change and one that would be very questionable.
It is very unlikely that any teams in Division 3 would be able to compete for an All-Ireland title, meaning they may prefer to have a tilt at the Tailteann Cup. Last year's winners Westmeath would not have been in the competition under the suggested format.
Using Kildare and Cork as examples of why the change should be brought in is also a non-runner. If they are not good enough to finishing among the top 12 or so teams in the league structure, they can have no complaints about ending up in the second tier competition.
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