It was a rather underwhelming start to the era of the Super 8s at Croke Park on Saturday as the system began its first year of a three-year trial period.
Tyrone and Dublin got off to winning starts but it was a day to forget for Roscommon and Donegal as the duo began their campaign in defeat in front of a sparse crowd at Croke Park.
Dave McIntyre was joined by Kieran Shannon and Declan Lynch on the Sunday Paper Review to reflect on the GAA’s new football format.
And Kieran Shannon believes officials need to learn lessons from the opening weekend of the competition in a bid to improve the format going forward.
“Declan was asking whether they should have the quarter-final round games at Croke Park and I think you have to have at least one there,” Kieran Shannon said.
“Whether it should be the opening game of it or not [has to be discussed]. If you’re a Kerry or Galway player today it is a reward in itself to play at Croke Park whether you came through the provincials or the qualifiers.
“How little neutrals were attracted to the bill? That’s surprising that there isn’t more of an effort to attract more of the local people.
“There has to be a round in Croke Park but I’m sure they’ll be reviewing which of the rounds they’ll be doing it in.
“Kevin McStay pretty much admitted they’re out of the running for the Super 8s – he talked about pride next week. But even if they take that win off Donegal, it comes down to point difference.
“Even if they beat Donegal their last game is against Dublin – how many are going to be at that? You could actually get it in Parnell Park but the Dubs haven’t trained there in seven years despite them saying it’s their nominal home.
“They will not play at Parnell Park. You could have a situation where it will be like a National League crowd with maybe 22,000 people at it.”
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
