Munster Council's Decision to Seed Cork and Kerry Criticized by Colm Collins.

Munster Council's decision to seed Cork and Kerry in the provincial football championship has been criticized by Colm Collins. Collins suggests using the Football Review Committee model to reform the championship structures. The seeding was approved for a three-year period beginning in 2026, despite concerns that it could lead to uncompetitive Munster finals. Collins argues that the move will not solve the issue and that the Munster championship is a "complete joke."

Munster Council's decision to seed Cork and Kerry in next year's provincial football championship has sparked criticism from Colm Collins, former Clare manager and member of Jim Gavin’s Football Review Committee. The decision, which was approved for a three-year period beginning in 2026, aims to boost gate receipts by optimizing provincial attendances between the two most successful counties [1].

At Thursday night’s meeting, Munster delegates decided that the top two counties, judged by league standing, should be drawn in the semi-finals and kept apart. This move comes after 35 years of the open draw in Munster, which was introduced in 1991 by the late Noel Walsh to reduce the demand on smaller, less successful counties [1].

Collins, however, is critical of the decision. He argues that the move will not solve the issue of uncompetitive Munster finals and that the championship is a "complete joke." Collins suggests that a high-powered committee, along the lines of the Football Review Committee (FRC), review and make recommendations on future structures for the football championship [1].

The Munster Championship has seen a decline in competitiveness, with Cork and Kerry dominating the scene. Cork, despite finishing fifth in Division Two this year, was seeded in the championship, while Kerry, who have been in the league's top flight for the past decade, were also given a leg up [1].

The decision has raised concerns among football fans and pundits alike. Some argue that the move is a short-term solution that will not address the long-term issues facing the championship. Others suggest that the FRC model could provide a more sustainable and fairer structure for the championship [1].

In contrast, the decision to seed Cork and Kerry has been justified by Munster Council as a means to boost attendances and gate receipts. However, the long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen.

References:
[1] https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2025/07/31/colm-collins-critical-of-munster-decision-to-separate-cork-and-kerry-in-football-championship/