Inter-county football needs a third tier - Kevin McStay

Adding a third tier to inter-county football would be beneficial, according to Kevin McStay.

This year has seen the advent of the Tailteann Cup as a second level within the senior inter-county game, Cavan and Westmeath reaching the inaugural final after their last-four victories over Sligo and Offaly respectively on Sunday at Croke Park.

But is there room for another tier beyond that? By way of comparison, hurling currently has five.

RTÉ GAA analyst McStay told the RTÉ GAA Podcast that, in his view, it's needed although it would require time for it to be debated and implemented.

"There is clearly a requirement for three tiers in my view," he said.

"But how you would get there in the short-term might be a bit trickier."

"But the fact that the dam was broken with the creation of the Tailteann Cup and that it has thus far enjoyed an encouraging first year could make it easier to pave the way for further change, he added.

"We've crossed the rubicon about another tier. It is now accepted. It's done, it's launched, it floated. Great. And there are improvements to it," said McStay.

"I think three (tiers) would do the football just about nicely."

On the breakdown of teams across the tiers, he added that it could be an approximate case of two tiers of 10 and one containing 12 counties.

Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast at Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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