One of the myriad of changes to take on board for the 2020 Championship is the prospect of a county claiming All-Ireland glory in hurling and football by means of a penalty shootout.
During the height of restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland, it looked more probable than possible that the current season would have to be consigned to history, with some medical experts suggesting that the 2021 season could also be in jeopardy depending on the progress of the virus.
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Fast forward a couple of months, the GAA has outlined its 2020 inter-county roadmap and we are set for a season like no other.
All-Ireland finals in December (a Saturday final for football), a season run off in eight weeks, no back-door in football, knock-out in hurling with two rounds of qualifiers and quarter-finals, while venues and the number of spectators permitted inside the turnstiles remains unclear.
On top of all that, in an effort to get through the hectic schedule, all games will be decided on the day in both codes, with 10 minutes a half of extra-time should sides remain deadlocked after 70 minutes. Failing that, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.
Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire's residence in the first half of 2021 could well be decided from the spot.
Speaking on RTÉ's GAA podcast, five-time All-Ireland winner Tomas Ó Sé voiced his concerns with penalties as a means of determining a winner.
"In football, it just seems wrong," he said. "I read the layout by the GAA and it specifically says all games, 10 minutes a half extra-time and then penalties.
"I suppose it’s a strange year, and given the choice [playing the championship or not], you’d take it.
"I thought they might change it for the semi-final and final, but then that would be an insult to other counties that might have been knocked out earlier. You have to go the same ways all the way through."
Ó Sé was joined in the discussion by former Tipperary shotstopper Brendan Cummins, who offered the opinion that penalties offer a great motivation for the men between the sticks.
"As a former goalkeeper, what better way than two weeks to Christmas with a chance to save a penalty to win an All-Ireland final for your county," he said. "It’s what you dream about."
Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast at Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
