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Peter Canavan berates massive error made by the GAA around the provincial finals

Published 11:20 11 May 2026 BST

Updated 11:20 11 May 2026 BST

Jack Fennessy
Peter Canavan berates massive error made by the GAA around the provincial finals

Homesport

Roscommon and Kerry emerged victorious in Sunday's provincial finals against Galway and Cork respectively. Supporters of both counties along with GAA fans in general were left satisfied after the excitement from both games.

Roscommon's win in particular marked the end of a seven year wait for a Connacht championship victory. The Rossies produced a remarkable comeback late in the second half.

Attention will turn however, to the All-Ireland series next week with the draw for the competition already made for the four teams involved in yesterday's finals. The decision has led to quite a bit of criticism for the GAA.

Speaking on The Sunday Game, Peter Canavan said that Sunday's action only hammered home the point made by critics that the draw for the All-Ireland distracted what should have been big standalone occasions.

Cora Staunton also made her point clear that the counties in the provincial finals had been given a "competitive disadvantage".

"Today you could have Jim McGuinness down in Killarney watching Kerry, the same in Roscommon where Tyrone were probably down there watching them."

"It's very hard for players to have the focus today and knowing who they have in two weeks time. Plus you want Roscommon to be able to enjoy their night tonight and Kerry without having to look forward."

Canavan said: "It took away from the provincial finals today, all the talk about the games a couple of weeks down the line. The players don't need it, managers don't need it, the fans probably don't need it."

"Not that Roscommon or Kerry are too worried about it tonight, but I think they should have left it until tomorrow." The GAA legend went on to finish.

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