TV to allow everyone to see thrills of Ulster county finals

SO, it’s from one drive for five to another. Many will be unaware that a county Championship can be dominated in this day of marginal gains.

A county title is extremely difficult to clinch given all the variables in the club game, with emigration, some cases of poor refereeing, loss of appetite and so on.

On September 22, however, everyone will be able to see Derrygonnelly Harps attempt to land their fifth consecutive Fermanagh crown when they face Roslea Shamrocks live on TG4.

That it comes a week after the All-Ireland final replay is perfect timing. The inter-county season was due to be wrapped up by this stage but, thankfully, we get to see some lavish riches for one last time this weekend.

The advent of county final season, though, acts like a sign that winter is on its way.

For your correspondent here, it is the best time of the season to report on Gaelic games. Think about it; every week you get to cover a game that for practically every single player is the biggest of their lives. At the end, the winners celebrate wildly and their supporters are ecstatic.

There is no talk of ‘work-ons’ or developing their game for later in the season.

Everything is on the line for one hour and the agony and the ecstasy follows straight after.

TG4’s screening of county finals has proved such a hit that RTÉ are getting in on the act, broadcasting some of the games from the Cork Hurling Championship.

Such coverage would have been considered incredible in previous generations, but it only exists now because of the demand for it.

And on September 29, the hidden gem of the GAA calendar will be beamed into front rooms everywhere; the Antrim hurling final. It’s long been on the bucket list for GAA fans to visit, but now everyone can get a look up close, with a stove burning turf and a cup of tea on your lap. What more could you want?

Top marks to all.