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Leitrim's Terry Hyland highlights All-Ireland "divide"

Leitrim manager Terry Hyland believes there is a divide between the haves and have-nots at inter-...



Videos

Leitrim's Terry Hyland highlights All-Ireland "divide"

Leitrim manager Terry Hyland believes there is a divide between the haves and have-nots at inter-county level.

A memorable Division 4 campaign saw Leitrim promoted to the third tier for the first time since 2008.

They then went on to play Derry in the league final at Croke Park, losing by a narrow 4-point margin.

Hyland joined us on The Gaelic Football Show to talk about Leitrim's progress in 2019.

But he also responded to discussions about the potential need for a second tier All-Ireland competition.

"I've been with Cavan and now I'm with Leitrim. I've seen there is a divide," he said.

Treatment

"The hierarchy of the GAA has probably a top tier 16 in their own mind in the way they are treated. And then there's a bottom tier of 16 and they're treated slightly differently.

"We have a Championship and it's called the All-Ireland at the moment. But I don't think it's an All-Ireland as in the way that the bottom teams are being treated."

And while Hyland feels there could be a place for a secondary competition, he believes the All-Ireland should still be a home for all.

"I don't think you should take away that honour of playing in the All-Ireland series."

In terms of the overall boost for the county, Hyland believes Leitrim's 2019 success will encourage greater participation at underage level. And he is confident that Leitrim can hold their own in Division 3 in 2020.

"Suddenly there is an interest and a spike in guys who want to come in and play," he said.

Hyland also talked about the league final where Leitrim acquitted themselves well. But he admitted the team didn't make the most of enough scoring opportunities.

"We were going very well in that first 25 minutes. But unfortunately, we just weren't keeping the scoreboard ticking over," said the former Cavan manager.

"That's where our downfall really came. That was the main statistic of the game - we kicked too many wides in the first half."

You can watch the full Gaelic Football Show above via YouTube. We were also joined by Leitrim footballer Emlyn Mulligan recently:

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All-ireland GAA Gaelic Football Show Leitrim Off The Ball Shane Stapleton Terry Hyland