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Ronan McManus

Allianz League finals should be scrapped according to Ulster manager

Mickey Graham says the GAA should scrap league finals if they can’t provide a two-week break to the championship.

Ahead of this weekend’s league finals which will see Mayo face off against Galway seven days before the Connacht championship, Cavan boss Graham said the current concept for playing league finals is not fit for purpose.

“I just think if you are going to play league finals give teams at least two weeks in between them,” said Graham, whose side take on Fermanagh in Saturday’s Division Three decider.

Read next: Allianz League final fixture details confirmed by GAA with Mayo request rejected

“Give them that, it is a national title and if Mayo win it they cannot celebrate it because they are out the following week.

“It would be nice to go to Croke Park, win a bit of silverware, let off a bit of steam but they don’t even get that opportunity.

“They win it and drives out the gates of Croke Park and straight home.

“There is no saying ‘we have achieved something’ or a chance to let the hair down.

“If they continue to do league finals, at least don’t start the championship for two weeks.”

Graham also thinks the team who finishes top of each division should just be crowned league champions – with no finals.

Under that format Fermanagh, who finished two points ahead of Cavan on 12 points, would already be Division Three champions.

“I just think the top team should win the division and that should be it, especially with the condensed season now,” he added.

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