Next week GAA president John Horan is set to appoint the committee that will examine the future of the All-Ireland Football Championship and identify a structure to bring to a special congress later in the year.

Assessing the viability of a two-tier championship has been a key aim of his presidency from the start but Horan's preference for an 'A&B' style structure does not go far enough. The Fixtures Review Group should be looking to the senior, intermediate and junior template, with a complete overhaul of how the fixtures calendar is constructed to make the necessary changes possible.

The hurling championship, from Liam MacCarthy down to Lory Meagher, has shown the benefits of a multi-tiered approach with promotion and relegation.

The traditional calendar is no longer fit for purpose and sells most elements of the Association's membership short – particularly players.

If the games are not what they can be and if players are not at their best for club and county then the system is failing the entire membership.