People are asking if this is the best football championship ever. Let’s not go there

The question of whether the current football championship stands as the greatest ever echoes past debates, prompting a closer look at how such accolades are determined. The author recalls a similar query posed after the 1977 Munster hurling final, illustrating the subjective nature of declaring a "best ever" contest. Comparing athletes across eras is fraught with challenges, particularly when considering advancements in sports science, training, and equipment. What one observer deems superior based on personal experience might overlook the broader context and competitive landscape.

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Was it the best ever?

The modern tendency to elevate contemporary performers often fails to account for these evolving factors. The article points out that even within a single era, truly memorable matches can be scarce. For instance, the rivalry between Dublin and Kerry, while storied, produced only one genuinely gripping encounter in a specific period. The resonance of such matches for the wider public also varies, with some national conversations showing less fervor for repeated matchups.

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I am impressed by the certitude with which some can pronounce on the competing merits of teams and players from different eras, even if they have had the chance to watch them in person.

This championship's openness and unpredictability, however, are undeniable. This shift is significantly attributed to the Football Review Committee's work and its reshaping of the game. Initially, concerns arose that innovations like the two-pointer might widen the skill gap between teams, potentially leading to lopsided scores. Counterintuitively, these changes appear to have fostered a more competitive environment, contributing to the championship's current status as a potentially great, albeit unpredictable, event.

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For instance, at the turn of the century, a correspondent from Wicklow – originally Kerry – wrote to dispute a reference to Mick O’Dwyer’s team of the 1970s and 80s being the best of all time.